Oboe c. 1810

This oboe was crafted by Johann Samuel Stengel, a German instrument maker who died in 1826. As you observe the delicately carved wood, consider the ancient power of music to evoke emotions and memories. The oboe, with its plaintive sound, resonates with a tradition dating back to the aulos of ancient Greece, an instrument used in religious rites and theatrical performances to stir the souls of listeners. The sound of the oboe has always been associated with pastoral scenes and a sense of longing. The instrument’s conical shape, reminiscent of ancient horns, echoes the call of nature and primeval communication. Just as the pipes of Pan once stirred the nymphs in Arcadia, so too does the oboe call to us, awakening deep-seated memories and passions. Across centuries and cultures, the oboe has woven its melodies, connecting the present to a timeless past.