English Horn

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English Horn

Though the English horn has a similar timbre to the oboe, it has a slightly lower range. This gives the English horn a richer sound - particularly in the lower register. Therefore, one of the main roles of the English horn within the orchestra is to extend downward the range of the oboe.

Notation

English horn parts are written in the treble clef. Like the French horn, the English horn actually sounds a perfect 5th lower than written. In other words, if you write the note G for the English horn, it will actually play the C a perfect 5th lower.

The English horn uses the exact same fingerings as the oboe, except for the written low Bb, which the English horn cannot play. Because it is missing the low Bb, its lowest written note is B3, which sounds the E3 a minor 6th below Middle C. Caution should be used when playing the highest notes.