Woodwind instrument
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Woodwind instruments are a family of
Flutes
Flutes produce sound by directing a focused stream of air across the edge of a hole in a cylindrical tube.[2][3] The flute family can be divided into two subfamilies: open flutes and closed flutes.[4]
To produce a sound with an open flute, the player is required to blow a stream of air across a sharp edge that then splits the airstream. This split air stream then acts upon the air column contained within the flute's hollow, causing it to vibrate and produce sound. Examples of open flutes are the
To produce a sound with a closed flute, the player is required to blow air into a duct. This duct acts as a channel, bringing the air to a sharp edge. As with the open flutes, the air is then split; this causes the column of air within the closed flute to vibrate and produce sound. Examples of this type of flute include the
Reed instruments
Reed instruments produce sound by focusing air into a mouthpiece which then causes a
Exposed double-reed instruments are played by having the double reed directly between the player's lips. This family includes instruments such as the oboe, cor anglais (also called English horn), and bassoon, and many types of shawms throughout the world.
Capped double-reed instruments, on the other hand, have the double reed covered by a cap; the player blows through a hole in this cap that then directs the air through the reeds. This family includes the crumhorn.
Bagpipes are unique reed pipe instruments, since they use two or more double or single reeds. However, bagpipes are functionally the same as a capped double reed instruments, since the reeds are never in direct contact with the player's lips.[12][non-tertiary source needed]
Free reed aerophone instruments are likewise unique since sound is produced by 'free reeds' – small metal tongues arranged in rows within a metal or wooden frame. The airflow necessary for the instrument's sound is generated either by a player's breath (e.g. harmonica), or by bellows (e.g. accordion).[13][14][non-tertiary source needed]
Modern orchestra and concert band woodwinds
The modern orchestra's woodwind section typically includes flutes, oboes, clarinets, and bassoons. Supplementary instruments include piccolo, cor anglais, bass clarinet, E-flat clarinet, and contrabassoon. Saxophones are also used on occasion.
The concert band's woodwind section is typically much larger and more diverse than the orchestra's. It typically includes piccolos, flutes, oboes, B♭ clarinets, bass clarinets, bassoons, alto saxophones, tenor saxophones, and baritone saxophones. Alto flute, cor anglais, E♭ clarinet, alto clarinet, contra-alto clarinet, contrabass clarinet, contrabassoon, soprano saxophone, and bass saxophone are also sometimes used.
See also
References
- ^ "Woodwind" Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
- ^ "Flute acoustics: an introduction". newt.phys.unsw.edu.au. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
- ^ "Instruments of the Orchestra Strings Woodwinds Brass Percussion conductor Devin Patrick Hughes". Arapahoe Philharmonic. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
- ^ Carroll, Paul "Baroque Woodwind instruments" p. 45. Aldershot, Hants, England: Ashgate, 1999
- ^ Carroll, Paul "Baroque Woodwind instruments" p. 45. Aldershot, Hants, England: Ashgate, 1999.
- ^ "San Francisco Symphony - Instrument of the Month: Flute". San Francisco Symphony. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
- ^ Carroll, Paul "Baroque Woodwind instruments" p. 45. Aldershot, Hants, England: Ashgate, 1999
- ^ "Woodwind" Encyclopædia Britannica Online.
- ^ a b "Woodwinds". www.uv.es. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
- ^ Levine, Mike (2023-05-05). "The Woodwind Family, Explained". Yamaha Music - Blog. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
- ^ Carroll, Paul "Baroque Woodwind instruments" pp.88. Aldershot, Hants, England: Ashgate, 1999.
- ^ "Bagpipes" Encyclopædia Britannica Online.
- ^ "Harmonica" Encyclopædia Britannica Online
- ^ "Accordion" Encyclopædia Britannica Online
External links
