Woodwinds (1750-1850)

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Aerophones (Flutes)
o Work on the harmonic series to the octave
o Piccolo (C)
Transposes to the higher octave
Made from wood (granadilla, boxwood) or ivory
Started with one key added keys throughout the 18 th and 19th
century
Brass, silver
Changed entire system and bore around 1847 (T. Boehm)
Conical bore
Register: D5 to C8 (modern)
o Flute (C)
Made from wood or ivory
Will change to metals in the 19th century (nickel, silver,
gold, platinum)
Started with 1 key - added keys throughout the 18 th and 19th
century
Brass, silver
Changed entire system and bore around 1847 (T. Boehm)
Conical bore will later change to cylindrical in the 19 th century
Register: C4 to B6
Beethovens 9th: G3 to B6
Modern: B3 to F#7
Double Reeds
o Work on the harmonic series to the octave
o Oboe (C)
French and Italian versions
Made from wood, ivory parts seldom
Started with a few keys (2 or 3) added throughout the 19 th
century mostly
Brass, silver
Conical bore inverted to the flutes and piccolos
Register: C4 to A6 will expand after the 19th century
o English Horn (F)
Came from the tenor oboe

Transposes a 5th below

Made from wood
Started with a few keys (2 or 3) added throughout the 19 th
century mostly
Register: F3 to C6
o Bassoon (C)
French Basson vs. German Fagott
Made from wood
Started with keys (at least 3 or more) added throughout the
19th century mostly
Brass
Irregular Bore
Register: B flat1 to F4
o Contra-bassoon (C)
French Basson vs. German Fagott
Made from wood
Started with keys (at least 3 or more) added throughout the
19th century mostly
Brass
Irregular Bore
Register: B flat0 to F3
Single Reeds
o Work on the harmonic Series to the 5th and octave thumb key
o Clarinet (A, B flat, C, D, E flat)
German vs. French
Bassett Horn
Very popular in Mozarts time
Different register and shape
Single reed
Related to the English Horn
Many different keys (like trumpets)
Made from wood
Invented at the beginning of the 18th century
4 keys around 1750 added throughout the 19 th century
Changed to Boehm system around 1843
Conical Bore
Register: E3 to F6 (1750-1850)
o Bass Clarinet (C, B flat, A)
Late 18th century
Octave lower than the clarinet
Can read in treble or bass clef
Made from wood
Conical Bore
Register: E2 to F5 (1750-1850)