English horn and Common Pitch Problems and Solutions
English Horn and Common Problems and Pitch Solutions
English horn
The English horn, or corno inglese, is pitched in F, like the French horn, and the name likely developed from the “angled horn,” as was its shape originally. Oddly, it is neither English in origin, or related to the horn. More detailed information on the history of the name.
As a regular member of the standard classical orchestra, the English horn is a very common “double” for oboe players, and many oboists own one. There is also quite extensive solo literature, and many famous orchestral solos. The upper register is definitely more unstable than the oboe’s, and projects much less, creating some challenges. Many players own several different bocals to address specific upper register issues.
For more information on the English horn
Common Pitch Problems and Solutions for the English horn
(the note names refer to written, not sounding, notes)
•Bb5 tends to be very flat and weak--Add the C-key.
•B5 and C5 can also be stabilized with the addition of the C-key.
•E5 tends to be extremely sharp--Roll or pull out. Some repairpersons are able to adjust this note lower.
•G#4 and 5 tend to be sharp and/or unstable--Work to find the oral cavity/embouchure shape that most supports this note. It may feel like this tone needs to be “created”.
•D5 and C#5 tend to be flat--Roll in to bring them up. On the oboe, these half-hole notes tend to be sharp.
•D6 tends to be flat--Don’t use middle finger right hand (as with oboe) to raise the pitch. C#6 can also tend to be flat, again the opposite of the oboe.
•B4 can be sharp and stick out--Add the C key to lower the pitch and cover the tone.
•F#5 tends to be flat--Adding the F key raises the pitch.