Shaping & Tying with Cristina Gómez Godoy
Principal Oboe of the Staatskapelle Berlin
Cristina Gómez Godoy is a Spanish oboist with a distinguished career as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. Since 2013, she has been principal oboe of the Staatskapelle Berlin. As a soloist, she has performed with orchestras such as the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, the Spanish National Orchestra, and the Barcelona and Catalonia National Symphony Orchestra, among many others.
Born in Linares, Spain, Cristina began her studies at the conservatories of Linares, Jaén, and Seville, and later completed her training at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Rostock. In 2022, she released her debut album on Warner Classics together with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and Daniel Barenboim. Teaching also plays an important role in her career: she is a professor at the Orchestral Studies Academy of the Barenboim-Said Foundation and regularly gives masterclasses at international institutions.
Forming the Blank
Shaping is a fundamental step that defines the proportions of the reed and establishes the foundation for pitch and sound. Working precisely at this stage helps ensure consistency in reed making, so that each reed shares the same core characteristics. Tying is equally important. A precise and stable tie gives structure to the blank and provides the foundation for reliable performance. Together, these steps create a solid starting point, allowing the scrape to be developed with greater control and consistency.
Shaping
Watch as Cristina demonstrates how to use the Shaping Machine. With this tool, shaping the cane becomes a fast, precise, and highly reproducible process. Its design ensures secure positioning of the cane, a smooth cutting action, and excellent flexibility thanks to its compatibility with a wide range of shaper forms.
Sharpening
To maintain optimal performance, Cristina also uses the blade sharpening jig, a practical solution for sharpening the shaping machine blades quickly and efficiently. A sharp blade is essential for clean work and consistent results.
Tying
A careful and methodical tie creates the structure of a good reed. Watch as Cristina demonstrates her personal method for tying the cane onto the staple. Consistent tying, with close attention to positioning and straightness, creates a stable blank and allows the scrape to function as intended.
During tying, Cristina places one blade inside the other. This method helps ensure that the reeds remain properly aligned and free from air leaks. It also ensures that the orientation of the blades remains clearly defined during playing.
2026年06月17日
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