For over 30 years (1943 to 1977), Harold Gomberg sat in the principal oboe chair of the New York Philharmonic. For my generation of oboists, he was the standard. A New York Times article written in 1977 stated;
“Part of the Gomberg legend is in his instrumental expertise. He can produce a fatter tone than any of his colleagues, or a thinner one when he wants to; or he can make his oboe sound like an English horn, a clarinet, a saxophone. His breath control indicates that he was born with a bellows in his chest rather than lungs. His rhythm is infallible, he never makes a false entry, he has the entire repertory at his disposal.
That is part of the Gomberg legend. The other is his reputation as a musician who eats conductors for breakfast. “Who, me?” says the stocky Gomberg demurely, looking innocent. Never Harold Gomberg. Except from the green rooms of concert halls throughout the world come stories of the incorrigible Mr. Gomberg, who has never hesitated to tell man or devil what he thinks. He has told conductors to pack it in. “I can’t play it this way!” And he won’t. To one conductor who tried to correct him: “If you think you can play it better play it yourself!” To another, who has a reputation as a cold fish, Gomberg said good-bye at the end of the season with a parting injunction: “I hope you meet Venus during the summer.” Conductors put up with this. They have to. There are many conductors, but there is only one Harold Gomberg.”
It was Gomberg’s artistry, along with his colleague Engelbert Brenner that formulated my idea of what an oboe was and how it should sound.
Mr. Gomberg was also a painter, and his works were exhibited publicly for over 30 years. After he retired from the orchestra, the Gombergs moved to Italy, where he died in 1985. He sent a hand-painted card to Mr. Brenner from Italy one year – It is now one of my rare treasures. Enjoy!
Oboerista - thoughts from an oboist / coffeeist / dad 
[…] CDs of Bernstein/New York Philharmonic recordings. As an oboist who grew up in the New York area, Harold Gomberg and Engelbert Brenner’s sound and playing styles were my earliest memories of the […]
Hi, David –
I’ve enjoyed your blog for some years – first found it by way of Patty Mitchell’s oboeinsight – and have enjoyed your coffee insights as well. What is it about musicians and food?
I came across this blog entry today while trying to locate a discography for Harold Gomberg.
Like you said, Harold Gomberg shaped much of my idea of oboe playing. I was looking today to find a reference to a recording of his chamber works which I used to own 50 years ago but can’t find anymore. It opens with the Telemann e minor sonata. It’s not the ‘The Baroque Oboe’ album, but I’d swear it had the same or a very similar name.
Any ideas about that or a complete discography I’d sure like to hear from you.
Regards,
– Bob Hubbard
David Hi… My name is Merrill Greenberg. For the last 38 years I have been the English Horn player of the Israel Philharmonic. I was a student of Harold from 1969- 1973 at Juillard. I had the additional honor of knowing Bert and I even had a few lessons with him. Both of those men were major influences on my life as well. I thank you for your tributes to them. I salute you!!
Having studied with both Gomberg brothers I can tell you that they were unique in the world of oboe and music. I’m happy to see this and other sites keeping their memory alive today. Bruce Weinstein principal oboe Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
Hi David,
I found your blog about Harold. I met him in Perugia, Italy, on November 19, 1978. We became friends, had espresso together, strolled along Corso Vannucci, and listened to his recordings during dinner at his home. His wife, Margaret, loved her canary and his daughter, Andrea, loved her little dog. Andrea is a painter and, I believe, lived in Rome and/or Capri. I have been trying to contact her for years. Do you have any knowledge of Andrea? Perhaps one of your followers has some information. I will be returning to Rome in the fall and would like to see her again. Thank you.
Anthony,
I do not have any knowledge of Mr. Gomberg’s family at this point. Hopefully someone will see this and let us know if they have any information. My best,
David
Thank you, David, for you reply. I am still trying to locate Andrea Gomberg. Harold was a very kind and unique person. Whenever we dined together at his home in Perugia he would play his recordings. He would sometimes stop mid sentence and say to me “I should have played that note better”. It sounded great to me. He was a perfectionist. I will never forget the Gomberg family.
Best wishes. Tanti auguri!!
Hello, my name is Stephanie Chiha. I am the niece of Harold Gomberg and the daughter of his brother, Ralph Gomberg. I realize this conversation dates from many years ago, but I was wondering if anyone had been able to locate my cousin Andrea. I would very much like to be in contact with her again. I even tried to find her when I was in Italy, but had no success. Thank you for any information you could give me.
Hi Stephanie,
I have also been trying to locate your cousin Andrea. We became friends when the family lived in Perugia, Italy in the late 1970’s. She, in fact, referred to me as her dog”s uncle whenever we were together. Harold often proudly spoke of his brothers. Do you know where Harold and Margaret are buried? Capri? Perhaps Andrea is living near their graves.
Hi Steph,
Sorry for misspelling Margret’s name.
Another story for you:
The Gombergs and I belonged to an artistic organization in Perugia called “Amici della Musica”. Famous musicians would come and perform. Margret and I saw Rudolph Serkin give a piano performance. The Gombergs and Rudolph were friends. I met Rudolph and he signed my program. Never a dull moment with the Gombergs.
Auguri.
Anthony
Ciao, Anthony – I know that Harold is buried on Capri, so I assume that Margret is there, also. I have tried looking for Andrea in Capri, Perugia, and Rome, but with no success. We were not close and she was about 7 years older than I am, so if she is still alive, she would be around 77. None of my other cousins have been able to find her, either. As a matter of fact, we cannot locate her brother, Gerald, either. It is very sad to have family disappear from your life. Regards, Steph
Ciao Steph,
I travel to Italy often and will visit the Capri Cemetery the next time I am there. I recall Harold telling me he had purchased property on the Island.
Andrea had an art show in Perugia that I attended with Harold and Margaret.
I asked Harold why he retired from the NY Philharmonic at a relatively young age. He told me that several of his fellow musicians became ill and Harold wanted to enjoy life in Italy. I tell you this so you can add it to your family history.
It’s very frustrating that we cannot find any information about the family.
A presto,
Anthony
Hi David, Anthony,
I just ran across this blog and comments which I enjoyed.
I am Steph Chiha’s cousin and niece of the Gombergs.
I wondered if you know where any other paintings by Harold and/or Andrea might
Be found.
And any other information about Andrea or her brother would be welcome.
Thank you.
Regards,
Henrietta
Ciao Henrietta,
I wish I could tell you where the paintings are. I went to Andrea’s art show in Perugia, Italy in 1977. I have one photo of Harold taken during our morning coffee talks in Perugia. Please keep me posted if you have any other information.
Anthony
My father, Ronald Odmark, oboist with Detroit Symphony Orchestra from 49, to 81 was a close associate with Harold for years.
I have a painting of Andrea’s and would also like to make contact with her
I am traveling to Sicily in October (hopefully) and will try to do some research from there. Maybe it is easier doing this from Italy? I am sure she is still there.
Hello Stepanie….I have a lovely painting from Andrea as well. I also have several paintings from Harold. I have been trying for years to locate her but to no avail. She was living in San Remo but I believe moved to Rome.
Good luck….Merrill Greenberg