The Cor Anglais, also known in English as the English horn, is a remarkable double reed woodwind instrument with a unique sound that distinguishes it within the orchestral setting. Often mistaken for its close relative, the oboe, the Cor Anglais plays a distinct and emotionally rich role in both classical and contemporary music. Understanding what family the Cor Anglais belongs to involves exploring its physical characteristics, sonic identity, historical development, and functional placement within orchestras and ensembles.
The Woodwind Family: An Overview
To determine what family the Cor Anglais is in, we first need to define the parameters of the woodwind family. Instruments in this group typically produce sound by either splitting an airstream on an edge (as with flutes) or by vibrating a reed (as with clarinets, saxophones, oboes, and bassoons). The Cor Anglais falls into the latter category and more specifically into the subgroup of double reed instruments.
Double Reed Instruments: The Immediate Family
Within the woodwind family lies the double reed subfamily. These instruments use two pieces of cane bound together to form a reed that vibrates when air is blown through it. This category includes:
- Oboe
- Cor Anglais (English horn)
- Bassoon
- Contrabassoon
The Cor Anglais is essentially a larger, lower-pitched version of the oboe. It shares construction principles and playing techniques with the oboe but has its own distinctive tonal qualities and repertoire.
Physical Traits that Define Its Family
The construction of the Cor Anglais gives many clues about its family placement. It is typically around 90 cm (35 inches) long and features a bulbous bell (called a “pear-shaped” or “love” bell) that contributes to its warmer and mellower tone. Like the oboe, it has a conical bore and uses a double reed inserted into a metal bocal, which curves slightly. These features cement its membership in the double reed and larger woodwind families.
The Relationship Between Oboe and Cor Anglais
The Cor Anglais and oboe are often discussed as a pair. In fact, many oboists also play the Cor Anglais, and orchestras often expect this dual capability. The Cor Anglais is pitched in F, a fifth below the C oboe, and is considered a transposing instrument. This means that when a player sees a C on the score, it sounds as an F below. Despite its name, the Cor Anglais is not English in origin nor a horn. The name is a historical misnomer.
Instrument Classification Systems
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, widely used in ethnomusicology and organology, the Cor Anglais falls under the classification 422.112: double-reed aerophones with keys. This further confirms its place in the woodwind and double reed categories. This methodical classification reinforces the idea that the Cor Anglais is not just a variant of the oboe but a fully-fledged member of its own class within the woodwind family.
Historical Evolution and Family Ties
Tracing the history of the Cor Anglais reveals its evolution from early oboes such as the oboe da caccia, a baroque instrument with a curved body and leather covering. By the 18th century, innovations in instrument making led to the development of a new member of the oboe family that played a fifth lower and offered a more plaintive timbre, ideal for expressive melodic lines. The instrument eventually became known as the Cor Anglais and was embraced by Romantic and Modern composers for its emotional range.
Orchestral Role of the Cor Anglais
In modern orchestras, the Cor Anglais occupies a unique niche. It is not typically part of the standard woodwind quintet but is indispensable in orchestral settings. It often plays solos and countermelodies that require a deep, emotional sound. Famous orchestral solos featuring the Cor Anglais include:
- Dvořák’s “New World Symphony” (Second Movement)
- Rossini’s “William Tell Overture”
- Ravel’s “Boléro”
In these contexts, the Cor Anglais functions as a bridge between the higher woodwinds and the lower voices, making it a critical member of the woodwind section.
Chamber and Solo Repertoire
While less common in chamber music, the Cor Anglais has inspired numerous solo and small ensemble compositions. Its expressive tone makes it ideal for lyrical lines, often in pastoral or melancholic settings. Composers such as Jean Sibelius, Paul Hindemith, and John Tavener have written solo works or chamber pieces that feature the instrument prominently.
Role in Contemporary Compositions
In 20th and 21st-century music, composers have explored the unique timbre of the Cor Anglais to expand expressive boundaries. From avant-garde works to experimental electronic fusions, the instrument’s sonic versatility allows it to stretch beyond traditional roles. These innovative applications further embed the Cor Anglais within the evolving story of the woodwind family.
Summary
To conclude, the Cor Anglais belongs to the woodwind family, more precisely to the double reed subfamily. It is a sibling to the oboe and shares characteristics with other double reeds like the bassoon and contrabassoon. Despite differences in pitch, size, and timbre, these instruments are unified by reed type, construction, function, and repertoire.