The English horn, also known as the cor anglais, is a beautiful and expressive double reed instrument with a hauntingly mellow tone. It occupies a lower register than the oboe and is a staple in orchestral music, chamber ensembles, and solo literature. While it shares many characteristics with the oboe, one of the most frequent questions among beginners and even some seasoned oboists is whether an oboe reed can be used on an English horn. The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, and understanding the differences in design, acoustics, and performance requirements is essential for any serious musician.
Understanding the Structure of the English Horn
The English horn is pitched in F, a fifth below the oboe, which is pitched in C. This difference in pitch means the English horn has a longer body and a larger bore. Unlike the oboe, which typically has a straight bell, the English horn features a bulbous pear-shaped bell, contributing to its rich and resonant sound. The bocal, a metal tube connecting the reed to the body, is another key structural difference that significantly affects how the reed interacts with the instrument. This construction makes reed compatibility between the English horn and oboe more complex than it may initially seem.
What Makes a Reed Suitable for the English Horn?
Reeds for the cor anglais are specifically designed to match its acoustical and physical properties. They are longer, wider, and generally have a larger internal volume than oboe reeds. The cane used, the shape of the reed, the scrape style, and the overall dimensions are tailored to produce the warm, dark timbre characteristic of the English horn. Using an appropriately designed reed allows players to achieve proper intonation, dynamic range, and articulation specific to the English horn repertoire.
Key Dimensions
Typical English horn reeds measure around 55-60mm in length, while oboe reeds average 69-70mm but are shaped differently. Despite the oboe reed’s greater total length, the bore size and aperture are far smaller than those of a cor anglais reed. This difference directly affects how the reed vibrates and how the air column inside the instrument behaves. A mismatch in these parameters can lead to poor response, lack of control, and undesirable tone quality.
Why an Oboe Reed Cannot Substitute for an English Horn Reed
At first glance, an oboe reed might seem like a potential stand-in for an English horn reed, especially if one is in a pinch or lacks the correct supplies. However, there are several compelling reasons why this substitution is ill-advised:
1. Incompatible Fit
The cor anglais uses a bocal to which the reed is attached. The opening of an oboe reed is not designed to fit snugly over or into the English horn bocal. Attempting to force an oboe reed onto the bocal could damage both the reed and the instrument.
2. Tonal Mismatch
Oboe reeds are designed to create a bright, penetrating tone suitable for higher registers. When used on an English horn, this results in a thin, nasal, and unstable sound that lacks the mellow, soulful quality expected from the instrument. This tonal mismatch can be especially jarring in orchestral settings where blend and color are crucial.
3. Intonation Challenges
The difference in pitch between the two instruments means that using an oboe reed on an English horn will produce inaccurate tuning. Notes may come out too sharp or too flat, and the player will struggle to center the pitch, particularly in the upper and lower extremes of the horn’s range.
4. Lack of Responsiveness
English horn reeds are tailored to respond to the airflow and embouchure typical of the instrument. Oboe reeds, when used on the English horn, may feel stiff or overly resistant, making it difficult to articulate notes cleanly or play with dynamic nuance.
Comparing Oboe and English Horn Reeds
To better understand the differences, let’s look at several key aspects:
Material
Both reeds use Arundo donax cane, but the cane used for English horn reeds is typically harder and has a wider diameter to match the instrument’s requirements.
Shape and Scrape
English horn reeds often use a European or American scrape similar to oboe reeds, but the profile is adjusted for the larger dimensions and lower pitch. The scraping pattern allows for better resonance and response in the lower register.
Tube and Staple Design
Oboe reeds are tied onto staples that fit directly into the oboe. English horn reeds, in contrast, are tied onto brass tubes that fit over the bocal. This difference in attachment and design further complicates interchangeability.
Aperture and Opening
The aperture of an English horn reed is wider and more open than that of an oboe reed. This allows for the required airflow and vibration amplitude. Using a smaller oboe reed restricts airflow and limits vibration, dulling the instrument’s sound.
Emergency Situations: Is There Ever a Case for Substitution?
In dire emergencies where no English horn reed is available, a highly experienced reed maker might attempt to modify an oboe reed. This process would involve expanding the base to fit the bocal, reshaping the opening, and re-scraping the reed. Even then, the result would be subpar and potentially damaging to the instrument or performance. It is never recommended for concert settings, auditions, or recordings.
Practical Advice for English Horn Players
Always Carry Spare Reeds
Professional English horn players often carry several reeds in various stages of readiness to ensure consistent performance. Reeds can be affected by temperature, humidity, and age, making backups essential.
Invest in Reed Making Skills
Learning to make or adjust cor anglais reeds allows players to fine-tune response, tone, and pitch. It also ensures you’re never dependent on others or commercially inconsistent reeds.
Use a Quality Reed Case
Protect your reeds from damage and moisture changes by storing them in a hard case with proper ventilation. This simple step greatly extends reed life and performance reliability.
Why the Right Reed Matters for the English Horn
The English horn is a solo instrument in many famous orchestral works, from Berlioz’s “Symphonie fantastique” to Dvořák’s “New World Symphony.” The emotional quality and expressiveness of the cor anglais rely heavily on having a well-functioning, properly matched reed. A poor reed, or worse, an oboe reed, can completely undermine the instrument’s voice and impact.
Reed as an Extension of the Player
Every reed acts as an extension of the player’s musicality. The control of phrasing, dynamic shaping, and color depends on the reed’s ability to respond appropriately. In this regard, a customized English horn reed provides far superior tools than a generic or mismatched oboe reed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the oboe and English horn share similar playing techniques and general design as double reed instruments, their reeds are not interchangeable. The English horn or cor anglais demands a reed that matches its physical and acoustic properties to function correctly and sound its best. Using an oboe reed can lead to poor tone, unstable intonation, and a frustrating playing experience. For serious musicians, investing in proper reeds—and in learning how to make or adjust them—is a vital part of mastering the English horn.
Always use the correct reed for your instrument. If you play both the oboe and cor anglais, keep a separate reed supply for each. Avoid shortcuts that could compromise your sound or technique. With the right reed, your English horn playing will reach its full expressive potential.
