Double reed facts for kids

Double reeds are fascinating parts of certain musical instruments in the woodwind family. Instead of blowing into a mouthpiece like a clarinet or saxophone, players of double reed instruments blow air through two small pieces of cane, called reeds, that vibrate against each other. This vibration creates the unique sound of these instruments.

Some well-known double reed instruments include the oboe, bassoon, and Cor anglais (also known as the English horn). These instruments are often found in orchestras, bands, and chamber music groups.

What are Double Reeds?

A double reed is usually made from a type of cane called Arundo donax. This cane is split, shaped, and carefully scraped to create two thin blades. These blades are then tied together or attached to a small metal tube called a staple. When air is blown between these two blades, they vibrate rapidly. This vibration then travels down the instrument's body, producing sound.

How Double Reeds Work

Imagine two tiny, flexible paddles. When you blow air between them, they quickly open and close, creating tiny puffs of air. This rapid opening and closing makes the air inside the instrument vibrate, which is what we hear as sound. The player's lips and breath control are very important for making the reeds vibrate correctly and for changing the pitch and tone of the sound.

Different double reed instruments use different sizes and shapes of reeds. For example, an oboe reed is quite small and narrow, while a bassoon reed is much larger and wider. The specific design of the reed greatly affects the instrument's sound.

Instruments with Double Reeds

Many beautiful instruments use double reeds. Each one has its own special sound and role in music.

The Oboe

The oboe is known for its clear, bright, and sometimes piercing sound. It's often used to play melodies that stand out in an orchestra. Oboe reeds are very small and delicate, and players often make their own reeds to get the perfect sound.

The Bassoon

The bassoon is a larger instrument with a deep, rich, and sometimes humorous sound. It plays lower notes than the oboe and is often called the "clown of the orchestra" because of its playful melodies. Bassoon reeds are larger and are usually curved at the end.

The Cor Anglais (English Horn)

The Cor anglais, or English horn, looks like a larger oboe but has a slightly different shape at the end, called a bell. It plays notes that are lower than the oboe, and its sound is often described as warm, mellow, and expressive. It's not actually a horn, but a member of the oboe family.

Other Double Reed Instruments

There are other double reed instruments too, though they might be less common. These include:

• The Contrabassoon: This is the largest instrument in the woodwind family, playing even lower notes than the bassoon. Its sound is very deep and powerful.
• The Sarrusophone: A metal instrument that looks a bit like a saxophone but uses a double reed.
• The Crumhorn: An old European instrument from the Renaissance period, known for its unique curved shape and buzzing sound.

The Sound of Double Reeds

Double reed instruments have a distinctive sound that sets them apart from other woodwinds. Their sound can be very expressive, from the oboe's lyrical melodies to the bassoon's deep, resonant tones. They are essential to the sound of many classical music pieces, but they also appear in film scores, jazz, and other types of music. The unique way the two reeds vibrate together creates a rich and complex sound that is loved by musicians and listeners alike.

Images for kids

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  Bassoon reeds

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  A bassoon reed

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  An oboe reed