WRITING FOR WOODWINDS

Woodwinds can be challenging (and interesting) to write for, as the members of this large family of instruments tend to differ quite significantly from each other. The sound on woodwind instruments can be produced in a variety of ways. The many types of flutes produce sound by 'spitting' the airstream, and unlike most instruments, don't require any vibrating parts. Saxophones and clarinets use a single vibrating reed fixed to a mouthpiece, and instruments like the oboe and the bassoon use a double reed. Each method of sound production has it's own particular quirks and limitations, that the composer needs to be aware of. Like brass instruments, the range of each instrument depends largely on the skill and experience of the player. Below are some of the most common members of this family.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN WRITING FOR WOODWINDS

WIND ENSEMBLES

The classical wind quartet normally comprises of Bassoon, Clarinet, Oboe and Flute. In woodwind quintets the fifth instrument is typically a French Horn (a member of the brass family). However, because there is so much variation within each type of woodwind, ensembles made up entirely of clarinets, flutes or saxophones are very common.