The English horn (cor anglais) , the lower-pitched member of the oboe family, is distinguished by its curved metal bocal and characteristic pear-shaped bell, features associated with its warm, full and often distant-sounding timbre. 🏷️ INSTRUMENT PROFILE Family Woodwinds — oboe family Sound production A double reed excites an air column within a conical bore Pitch and transposition Instrument in F; sounds a perfect fifth below written pitch Principal parts Double reed, curved metal bocal, upper and lower joints, and pear-shaped bell Typical sounding range E3–A5, extendable towards B5 by experienced players Musical role Alto voice of the oboe family; a solo and blending colour within the orchestra ...