There are four main instruments in the woodwind family but each one has close relatives of different sizes. On this page we will look at the four main instruments so that you can identify them by sight and sound and see how they work.
The Flute
How do you make a a sound on a flute?
Watch to 2'55''
How is this different to the other members of the woodwind family?
What is a flute made from?
When was the modern flute invented?
Now listen to the Entr'acte from Bizet's opera, Carmen. This features the flute but listen out for other woodwind instruments too.
The Oboe
How do you make a sound on an oboe?
Watch to 4’ 24’’
Can you name two important differences between the modern oboe and the oboe of Bach or Mozarts time in the 18th century?
How many pieces does the oboe break down into?
What do the thumb keys do?
The Clarinet
How is the clarinet different from the oboe?
Listen to 4’09’’
Why does the clarinet have trill keys?
Why does the clarinet player have two instruments?
How is the clarinet reed different to the oboe reed?
The Bassoon
Is the bassoon playing a single reed like the clarinet or a
double reed like the oboe?
Play to 3’50’’
Who does the bassoon sit next to in the orchestra?
Why is making reeds frustrating?
If all the woodwind play a chord together, where is the bassoon likely to be in the chord?
Now listen to Morning from Peer Gynt Suite again with your score. Try to follow all the woodwind lines as each gets the solo and notice who is playing an accompanying role.