oboe

The oboe is a double-reed instrument with a bright, penetrating tone that cuts through the orchestral texture. The player blows between two thin pieces of cane bound together, and controlling the pitch, dynamics, and intonation requires exceptional embouchure strength and breath support. The oboe's piercing, stable tone makes it the instrument that tunes the orchestra — the oboist sounds an A, and all other instruments adjust to match. The instrument is central to the woodwind section and has inspired many of the most beautiful solos in orchestral literature. Mozart's Oboe Concerto and Richard Strauss's Oboe Concerto are among its finest works.