September 19, 200619 yr I'm an oboist and I'm currently considering aquiring another instrument of the oboe family. I've encountered a few oboists who also play english horn, but I've also heard about the oboe d'amore. I'm not sure which one to go for because they both have such interesting sounds. I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on which one would be a better choice.
September 20, 200619 yr The english horn, I believe, is by far the most common of the two, if that's anything to go by.
September 20, 200619 yr Most large orchestras and especially wind ensembles have English horn standard. I'd suggest going with that, unless you really like playing Bach's B minor Mass, 'cause there's a large oboe d'amore part for that. I'm writing a piece for small ensemble right now, eng. horn included. I've always loved the lower registers of the instrument - so sonorous and beautiful. But yes, most oboists play the English Horn as well, as opposed to the rare oboe d'amore. You could always try out bass oboe as well! :P
September 21, 200619 yr Author Thanks so much for the advice! I've been doing some research and it does seem that an english horn would be easier to obtain and more useful overall.
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