Re: Positive - Comparative - Superlative

> One way might be to use a numeric system. Pick which end of the
> spectrum is "first" and all the rest follow from there. This makes
> for an open system in both directions with infinite levels of
> comparison. Thus "first oboe" might be the bass, "third oboe"
> might be the oboe d'amour.
I see you have some insight into the oboes as you have changed "d'amore" for
"d'amour." Two points for you!

I was indeed looking for an open ended system. Also musette could be "first
oboe" and english horn (really cor anglais which is neither english nor a
horn!!) could be "third oboe." The trick would be defining the "anchor
point" of course. But we do that inherently anyway even in this
"conventional" system don't we.


>
> For certain classes of ranked objects, you might consider making the
> "bigger than the one above it" type relationships inherent in the
> object's name. I.e., your conlang's word for "english horn"  means
> "oboe that's one step smaller than the bass oboe". [If you use the
> numeric system, it would also mean "second oboe", where "first oboe"
> is the bass.] Mind you, you don't have a literal translation thing
> going on. The word could be 'sqlart', and might be translated as "a
> type of oboe", but to a speaker of the language, its relationship to
> the other four instruments would be transparent. This probably doesn't
> make much sense - I guess what I'm getting at is that size comparison
> is inherent in the name.
Using that we must then deal with "this oboe is bigger than that oboe" or
"this oboe is bigger than that clarinet" or am I limiting myself in my own
logic and thought?


>
> OK. Now, on to oboes:
> I have what I think might be an oboe musette. I can't find a good
> description of this instrument, nor a picture. Can you describe it
> for me? Size, bell shape, key work, key of the instrument, etc? Do
> you know how to finger it / have a fingering chart / know where to
> get a fingering chart?
>
> Padraic.
>
OK. An oboe musette looks just like an oboe only as though it was put
through the washing machine in hot water. It is an oboe only smaller. That
probably doesn't help much. The easiest way is for you to tell me who has
manufactured it as only two companies make them. Most likely the bell will
not have any key work on it whereas an oboe will.

Placing your fingers on the key work, left hand on top, right hand on the
bottom, your fingers will brush against one another as they are so close
together. Are there three bulbous keys at the bottom of the instrument?

As far as a fingering chart it is just as the standard oboe, but we have to
work with pitch as it will be in either Eb or F depending on the
manufacturer. I have tonnes of fingering charts and would gladly mail you a
copy.

Scott

PS.
If you wish to hear all of the oboes, go to www.amoris.com where you can
find sound clips and recordings.

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