Oboe

The oboe is a double reed musical instrument of the woodwind family. The English word "oboe" comes from the French translation of the word hautbois; the name of the instrument in French (literal meaning, "high" or "loud" wood). The Italian name displaced the older English name "hautboy" or "hoboy" in the 18th century. A musician who plays the oboe is called an oboist. Careful manipulation of embouchure and air pressure allows the player to express a large timbral and dynamic range. Along with the French horn, the oboe is often considered one of the most difficult instruments to play.