Camille Saint-Saëns: Sonata for Oboe and Piano in D Major, Op. 166

The Sonata for Oboe and Piano in D Major, Op. 166 by Camille Saint-Saens is a cherished work in the canon of oboe repertoire and was the first of three pieces Saint-Saens completed before his death in 1921, the last two being his Clarinet Sonata and Bassoon Sonata, respectively. This piece takes the listener (and performer!) through a series of memories and emotions that are innocent, passionate, nostalgic, and tumultuously exciting. This performance was given on September 29, 2026 in Campus Commons Performance Hall at the University of Northern Colorado as part of a tribute recital for my student, Justin Pierce, who passed away in June 2026. He was a beloved member of our oboe studio at the University of Northern Colorado School of Music and a shining light to all who knew him. May he rest well. I. Andantino 0:00 II. Ad libitum – Allegretto – Ad libitum 3:34 III. Molto allegro 9:06 Tim Gocklin, oboe Katie Huges, piano