Oboist Henri de Busscher: From Brussels to Los Angeles (Belgium, California)

The establishment of an American school of oboe playing has been studied mainly from the perspective of French oboist Marcel Tabuteau. However, Belgian oboist Henri de Busscher (1880–1975) also played a fundamental role, particularly in the Western United States. This study presents new material about de Busscher's career, playing, and influence. Chapter One details de Busscher's European years including his formal education at the Brussels Conservatory with oboist Guillaume Guidé, his initial employment in Brussels and Paris, and his nine years in London with the Queen's Hall Orchestra. Chapter Two explores his immigration to the United States, his experiences with the New York Symphony and the New York Chamber Music Society, and his final move to Los Angeles. He served as principal oboist of the newly-formed Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra from 1920–1947. In addition to his leading role in the LAPO and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, de Busscher was a very active chamber musician. He maintained a large oboe studio, coached singers, served as a conductor, and made recordings. Chapter Three studies de Busscher's playing style, his approach to reed-making, and the instruments he used. This section draws upon a previously unpublished manuscript, Oboe Studies, c.1940 written by de Busscher, as well as student recollections, most notably the unpublished typescript (1950–1952) from Seattle oboist Robeson Allport. Chapter Four discusses six pedagogical recordings, Orchestral Excerpts , as well other recordings of de Busscher playing in the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Chapter Five explores de Busscher's influence mainly through his teaching activities in Los Angeles. Appendices present related biographical and source materials. They include A: The de Busscher Family, with sections on Henri's oboist brothers Albert and François; B: Guillaume Guidé with sections listing Guidé's solo and chamber performances at the Brussels Conservatory; C: Brussels Conservatory Oboe Exam Prizes (1892–1900); D: Brussels Conservatory Curriculum, translated and compiled from various Annuaires; E: Transcription of Orchestral Excerpts Text; F: Transcription of de Busscher's unpublished Oboe Studies; and G: Facsimile of Oboe Studies. The Orchestral Excerpts recording is included on compact disc.*; *This dissertation includes a CD that is multimedia (contains text and other applications not available in printed format). The CD requires the following application: Windows MediaPlayer or RealPlayer.