Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Explore an Instrument: English Horn
F E A T U R E
Explore an Instrument: English Horn
The English horn, also known as the cor anglais, is a woodwind instrument in the oboe family. Pitched in the key of F, it is sometimes also called an alto oboe, sounding a fifth below the written note. The English horn can be recognized in many European Classical pieces by its warm, unique sound. The name first appeared in Vienna in 1760. The reason for it being called an “English” horn is unknown, as it very unlikely had English origins. Fortunately for oboists, the English horn and oboe have essentially the same fingering, the only big differences being the lower pitch of the English horn and its slightly larger size. For this reason, it’s usually played by an oboist doubling on both instruments. Due to its size and weight, it generally needs to be played with a neck strap like a saxophone.
Like all types of oboes, the English horn is a double reed instrument. This means that it doesn’t have a mouthpiece like a saxophone or clarinet; instead, there’s a reed made up of two symmetrical wooden “blades” which vibrate with air, hence the name double reed. Double reed instruments produce a sound unlike any other instrument. Many composers have written prominent solos and pieces for English horn because of its beautiful sound. Some notable ones are in Shostakovich’s 8th symphony, Ennio Morricone’s The Ecstasy of Gold, and Beethoven’s Trio for Two Oboes and English Horn (links below).
Use of English horn outside of Classical music is still rare, but in the 20th century there were many unique uses of the instrument, including in jazz and improvised music. American improviser and multi-instrumentalist Sonny Simmons frequently used the English horn in both jazz and improvised contexts. Improvisers and avant-garde composers have discovered the many possibilities and extended techniques of the instrument aside from its traditional usage, including playing without a reed, multiphonics, using an oboe reed, playing with a reed only, and much more.
Links:
English horn solo from Shostakovich’s 8th symphony
https://youtu.be/VmnEflreT1E
The Ecstasy of Gold written by Ennio Morricone for The Good, The Bad And The Ugly
https://youtu.be/cCEwUFtjAr4
Trio for Two Oboes and English Horn written by Beethoven
https://youtu.be/B2ZJn6FAnMU
Things and Beings by Sonny Simmons
https://youtu.be/1C6vjfP_atM
To learn more about Evan, visit his Teacher Page.
Like all types of oboes, the English horn is a double reed instrument. This means that it doesn’t have a mouthpiece like a saxophone or clarinet; instead, there’s a reed made up of two symmetrical wooden “blades” which vibrate with air, hence the name double reed. Double reed instruments produce a sound unlike any other instrument. Many composers have written prominent solos and pieces for English horn because of its beautiful sound. Some notable ones are in Shostakovich’s 8th symphony, Ennio Morricone’s The Ecstasy of Gold, and Beethoven’s Trio for Two Oboes and English Horn (links below).
Use of English horn outside of Classical music is still rare, but in the 20th century there were many unique uses of the instrument, including in jazz and improvised music. American improviser and multi-instrumentalist Sonny Simmons frequently used the English horn in both jazz and improvised contexts. Improvisers and avant-garde composers have discovered the many possibilities and extended techniques of the instrument aside from its traditional usage, including playing without a reed, multiphonics, using an oboe reed, playing with a reed only, and much more.
Links:
English horn solo from Shostakovich’s 8th symphony
https://youtu.be/VmnEflreT1E
The Ecstasy of Gold written by Ennio Morricone for The Good, The Bad And The Ugly
https://youtu.be/cCEwUFtjAr4
Trio for Two Oboes and English Horn written by Beethoven
https://youtu.be/B2ZJn6FAnMU
Things and Beings by Sonny Simmons
https://youtu.be/1C6vjfP_atM
To learn more about Evan, visit his Teacher Page.