The wind section is traditionally known as the woodwind section even though not all the instruments are made of wood (for example the saxophone is made of metal). The woodwind section usually includes flutes, oboes, clarinets and bassoons. Saxophones are less commonly used.
...[more]How is the woodwind section organised?
Use this colourful series of diagrams to see where each instrument in the woodwind section is located and to find out more about the inner organisation of the section....[more]
Solos - Oboes
Oboe and Cor Anglais solos from the orchestral repertoire.
clip 1 -
Gustav Mahler - Symphony No 4
A typical woodwind passage.
clip 2 -
Gustav Mahler Symphony No 4
An oboe melody in the low register.
clip 3 -
Igor Stravinsky - Petrouchka
Cor anglais solo.
clip 4 -
Gustav Holst - The Planets: Venus
Oboe solo (upper register, piano).
clip 5 -
Manuel de Falla - El Sombrero de Tres Picos (The Three-cornered Hat): Farruca
Cor anglais solo.
clip 6 -
Manuel de Falla - El Amor Brujo (Love the Magician): En la cueva
Oboe solo.
clip 7 -
Manuel de Falla - El Amor Brujo (Love the Magician): Danza rituel del fuego (Ritual Fire Dance)
Oboe solo, later doubled on clarinet.
Solos - Clarinets
Clarinet solos from the orchestral repertoire.
clip 1 -
Gustav Mahler - Symphony No 4
Clarinet tune with bassoon accompaniment.
Woodwind Section Tone Colours
The sounds that woodwind instruments make fall into two main types: clear sounding (flute and clarinet) and slightly 'reedy' sounding (oboe and bassoon). These two main 'colours' work well in combination with each other but may also be used separately. Over the years composers have continually explored the many sound combinations achievable within the woodwind section.
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