double reed instruments crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find the most comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "double reed instruments crossword," along with detailed explanations and helpful tips to master your next puzzle.
Solutions for "double reed instruments crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
OBOES: These are conical bore, double-reed woodwind instruments known for their distinctively reedy and penetrating sound.
8 Letters
BASSOONS: Large double-reed woodwind instruments, characteristically long with a conical bore, folded back on itself, producing a deep, rich sound.
12 Letters
ENGLISHHORNS: Also known as a cor anglais, this is a double-reed woodwind instrument in the oboe family, an alto oboe with a pear-shaped bell and a more mellow tone.
More About "double reed instruments crossword"
Double-reed instruments form a unique and vital family within the woodwind section of orchestras and ensembles. Unlike single-reed instruments (like clarinets and saxophones) or flutes (which use no reed), double-reed instruments create sound by vibrating two pieces of cane tied together. This unique mechanism gives them a characteristic, often piercing or reedy, yet beautiful sound that stands out in any musical composition.
Historically, instruments with double reeds have existed for thousands of years in various cultures, evolving from simple folk instruments to the sophisticated orchestral mainstays we know today. Their distinct timbres are crucial for adding color and depth to classical, jazz, and even contemporary music. Recognizing these instruments by name and understanding their basic characteristics can often be key to solving related crossword clues, as they frequently appear in puzzles that test general knowledge of music and instrumentation.
When you encounter a clue like "double reed instruments crossword," it's beneficial to think about the most common members of this family that fit various letter counts. OBOES are often the first to come to mind due to their distinctive sound and frequent orchestral presence, while BASSOONS offer a deeper, more resonant voice. Less common but equally valid might be the ENGLISH HORN or even the larger CONTRABASSOON.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Categorize the Clue: When you see a clue related to instruments, try to categorize it (e.g., woodwind, brass, string, percussion). Then, narrow down instruments within that category that fit the given letter count. For "double reed instruments," you immediately focus on a specific subgroup of woodwinds.
- Think of Plurals: Crossword clues often use plural forms for common nouns. If "OBOE" doesn't fit, "OBOES" might. Always consider both singular and plural options for instrument names.
- Consider Variations/Aliases: Some instruments have alternative names or common variations. For instance, an "ENGLISH HORN" is also known as a "COR ANGLAIS." Keeping these aliases in mind can unlock tricky clues.
- Utilize Cross-References: Don't try to solve the clue in isolation. Look at intersecting words you've already filled in. Even a few letters can significantly narrow down the possibilities for a double-reed instrument.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a double-reed instrument?
A double-reed instrument is a type of woodwind instrument where sound is produced by two pieces of cane (the reeds) vibrating against each other when air is blown through them. This contrasts with single-reed instruments like clarinets or saxophones, or lip-vibrated instruments like brass.
Are all woodwind instruments double-reed?
No, not all woodwind instruments are double-reed. While instruments like oboes and bassoons are double-reed, others like flutes, piccolos, clarinets, and saxophones use different mechanisms. Flutes and piccolos are played by blowing across an embouchure hole, while clarinets and saxophones use a single reed vibrating against a mouthpiece.
What are some common double-reed instruments found in crosswords?
Beyond OBOES and BASSOONS, other double-reed instruments that might appear in crosswords include the ENGLISH HORN (or Cor Anglais), CONTRABASSOON, and sometimes historical instruments like the SHAWM.