the oboe
The "A" pitch of the oboe is usually used to tune the ensemble. The oboe is conical and played with a double reed. The quality of the oboe is very expressive and is often used to play slower or emotional melodies. Its range is two and a half octaves and plays at concert pitch. It is difficult to blow air into the tiny reed of the oboe. The exhale before breathing is as important as the inhale because often all air is not expelled in between phrases. The oboe is a very difficult instrument to play.