Olivier Cottet

Wind instrument maker

©Catherine Boucault

Historical oboes

Olivier recreates rare instruments
The choice of wood is a key factor in his work
He was awarded the tile of Maître d’art in 2002

Master craftsman and musician, Olivier Cottet has over 40 years of expertise in the making of historical bassoons and oboes. As a specialist in early instruments, he has contributed to the research movement to interpret the music of past centuries, ensuring the preservation of the musical heritage’s diversity. From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, the 17th and 18th centuries up to today, Olivier masters the rich variety of sounds and constructions of each period. He has notably supplied most of the orchestras dedicated to early music. Whether it involves woodworking or metalworking, all the elements of the oboe are crafted by his hands. Olivier even creates his own tools to adjust each piece of the instrument with the greatest precision.

Interview

©Catherine Boucault

©Catherine Boucault

What was the very first instrument you made?: It was an alto oboe (oboe in F), a copy of an instrument featured at the Historical Museum of Basel. At that time, I regularly visited instrument museums around the world to collect oboe plans of all kinds and study them.
How is tradition and innovation expressed in your craft?: Tradition lies in the making of faithful copies, as well as being able to reconstitute extinct instruments such as the Bassanello or the Cromorne. As far as innovation is concerned, I have designed a new key system for the modern oboe.
Do you have a memorable moment from your career?: Unforgettable moments! When I had to restore all the double reed instruments in the Cité de la Musique Museum in Paris. Or when Bruce Haynes recorded an original instrument and a replica of mine that were so similar it was impossible to distinguish them.
Is your craft endangered?: I would answer yes, and no! I wonder, perhaps machines are slowly replacing manual work but equally they will never be capable of human enthusiasm and soul.

Olivier Cottet is a master artisan: he began his career in 1980 and he started teaching in 2001