Construction and function » Cor anglais » Philipp Dangas

Construction and function of the Cor anglais

Cor Anglais graphic can be enlarged. It is Link-Sensitive [Clickable].

Components of the Cor anglais in a small representation

The English horn is a woodwind instrument, the alto instrument of the oboe family. It has its place in the symphony orchestra.

Structurally, the English horn is an enlarged oboe and only has a few special features related to the sound. The overall length (Heckel design) is 90 cm including the mouthpiece. The instrument does not end in a funnel, but has a pear-shaped bell, also known as the "love foot"..

In combination with the curved connecting piece between the reed and the body of the instrument, called the "S-Bogen", this gives it a covered, warm and less buzzing sound. The sound is produced by a double reed. Because the reeds are longer and wider than the oboe reeds, the sound production of the English horn is easier than that of the oboe.

Expressive character of the sound of the Cor anglais [Music composer: Richard Wagner]
Download size: 153 kilobytes
Key data on the functional principle of the woodwind
Component/Technology Function
1. Mouthpiece The air column in the instrument is created by the player
(on the mouthpiece) stimulated to vibrate
2. Single reed All single reeds are shaped similarly but vary in size to fit each instrument's mouthpiece.
3. Double reed Vibrate against each other.
4. Tone holes and keys Tone holes and keys, with which the length of the oscillating air column and the pitch can be changed.
5. Overblowing Allows the instrument to be played in a higher register.