Around 1650, French instrument makers like the Hotteterre family refined the oboe from the earlier shawm, standardizing its form, keywork, and reed for improved intonation and expressiveness. The baroque oboe gained prominence in orchestras and chamber music. This evolution enriched musical palettes, supporting expressive traditions in poetry set to music.

The standardization of the oboe around 1650 provided expressive woodwind lines that supported pastoral and emotional poetry in Baroque suites. Composers and poets alike utilized the oboe's lyrical qualities to evoke deep feelings and create vivid imagery within their works.