piccolo

The piccolo is essentially a half-sized flute, sounding one octave higher than the standard concert flute. Despite its small size, it has a piercing, brilliant tone that can cut through the entire orchestra even in the loudest passages. It is the highest-pitched standard orchestral instrument. The piccolo adds brilliance and sparkle to the orchestral palette. Sousa marches feature prominent piccolo parts, and the instrument plays a crucial role in Tchaikovsky's and Shostakovich's symphonies. Its extreme high register can be shrill if not played with care, so skilled piccolo players temper the sound with excellent tone control and intonation.