Twentieth century brings to the world of music a tremendous shock and the freedom of styles in music composition, and totally overthrows the musical principles in the past. The application of new media and technology makes music more easily available to use and expedites the development of different forms of music. Many composers find the characteristics of music in term of art include not only music itself but also the humanity and manner transformation of colors. Therefore, the daring utilization of many different materials and technique of space by composers creates the unlimited possibilities.

Due to the tremendous impact of the music of post twentieth century, the musician enjoy more and more the challenge from the modern music of twentieth century. The technique required for those music most of time is much more difficult than the works of previous composers. The reason I select Dutilleux’ sonata for oboe and piano as the subject for my thesis is because among the many modern music works, this sonata represents the most reputable position in terms of preference of oboist’s choice in the production of the concert. It requires almost all the important techniques in the performing oboe for the application of air, the control of breathing, the flexibility of fingering, and the strength of performing as a whole.

In addition, this sonata consists of various changes in every aspects and the strength and tension in volume generates the dramatic effect of the music. Therefore, the different atmospheres such as gentle whisper and excitement in intensity will make musician feel interesting in performing this sonata.

In this sonata, Dutilleux applies many different methods to present the sense of gradation and space. For example in the first movement he uses method of the space notation to compose by not distinguishing bar and beat. Also in second movement, he uses a lot of changing beat so that the continuation of beat change creates the luxuriance for atmosphere and tempo in this sonata.

I am very interested in this sonata by Dutilleux. No matter the control of emotion or the handling of atmosphere requires complete communication and understanding between oboist and pianist. Therefore, to both oboist and pianist, performing of this sonata in term of technique is really a big challenge as sometimes oboe is the leading role and sometimes piano attracts audiance’s attention. To me, I would appreciate this sonata as a beautiful painting with depth of story and colorful but peaceful feeling. It’s really a master piece worth of people's study and appreciation.