The piccolo, or octave flute, is a member of the transverse flute family. It is the highest-pitched wind instrument in the orchestra. Its range (an octave above that of the concert flute) reaches far higher than the human voice. In the Classical period (the second half of the 18th century) the orchestral piccolo was used to imitate sounds of nature, such as birdsongs or storms and for special effects. In the Romantic period (19th century) it became an established part of the woodwind section of the orchestra.

Requires the ViennaKey.

The flute, or concert flute, has been used throughout history. Once a technically complete traverse flute with a satisfactory timbre had established itself, the amount of solo literature for the instrument increased dramatically. Composers began to explore the limits of the instrument, and experiments with different tone colors and means of articulation resulted in a whole new palette of playing techniques. The Vienna Symphonic Library offers two different flutes as a single instrument download.

Requires the ViennaKey.

The flute, or concert flute, has been used throughout history. Once a technically complete traverse flute with a satisfactory timbre had established itself, the amount of solo literature for the instrument increased dramatically. Composers began to explore the limits of the instrument, and experiments with different tone colors and means of articulation resulted in a whole new palette of playing techniques. The Vienna Symphonic Library offers two different flutes as a single instrument download.

Requires the ViennaKey.

This flute ensemble is one of our famous Woodwind Ensembles with three players, featured in the DVD collection Woodwinds I. These ensembles are distinguished by their exceptional flexibility. They lend themselves well to instrumentations for both two and three musicians and offer the ideal solution to create the perfect balance between strings, brass, and woodwinds in large orchestras.

Requires the ViennaKey.

The Alto Flute in G is a transposing instrument which extends the flutes' lower tone range. There are two types: the straight shape and that with a curved headpiece. A straight-headed model was used for the recordings. The alto flute has a full, warm sound suggesting mystery especially in the lower range.

Requires the ViennaKey.

A special gem is the Bass flute. With its velvety, earthy sound, it expands the flute family to its lowest register, evoking mystery and depth in dramatic music. To hold the heavy instrument, the flutist Vera Fischer had to suspend it with two slings during the recordings at the Silent Stage.

Requires the ViennaKey.

The conservatoire oboe - better known as the French oboe - became internationally accepted as standard in the 20th century. The bell of the French oboe is gently flared, while that of the Viennese oboe is bell-shaped. The French oboe has a very assertive sound that can distinctly be heard in the orchestra, whereas the Viennese oboe tends to blend in more with the overall sound.

Requires the ViennaKey.

The Viennese oboe, which is played exclusively in Vienna, has retained its particular sound and form since the time of Viennese Classicism and developed independently of the French oboe. The bell of the Viennese oboe is bell-shaped while that of the French oboe is gently flared. The French oboe has a very assertive sound that can distinctly be heard in the orchestra, whereas the Viennese oboe tends to blend in more with the overall sound. Vibrato, one of the desirable techniques on the French oboe, is not usual in the Viennese style.

Requires the ViennaKey.

This oboe ensemble is one of our famous Woodwind Ensembles with three players, featured in the DVD collection Woodwinds I. These ensembles are distinguished by their exceptional flexibility. They lend themselves well to instrumentations for both two and three musicians and offer the ideal solution to create the perfect balance between strings, brass, and woodwinds in large orchestras.

Requires the ViennaKey.

The Oboe d'Amore (hautbois d'amour/oboe of love) is an alto instrument of the oboe family, but different to the English horn tuned in the key of A. This lyrical and rich sounding instrument has a softer sound than the oboe, but is not as soft as the English horn.

Requires the ViennaKey.

The English horn is the alto instrument of the oboe family. Since the Classical era, orchestras have made use of the English horn's melancholy sound to suggest rural and pastoral scenes and to perform mournful airs. It is chiefly an orchestra instrument. This English horn which is also used in the Vienna Special Edition is, like the French oboe, played by our experienced musician Markus Deuter whose playing technique follows the French school. As an alternative, we also offer the English Horn (Viennese), played in the Viennese school.

Requires the ViennaKey.

The English horn is the alto instrument of the oboe family. Since the Classical era, orchestras have made use of the English horn's melancholy sound to suggest rural and pastoral scenes and to perform mournful airs. It is chiefly an orchestra instrument. This English horn is played by Viennese musician Stephan Natschlager who plays the instrument in the Viennese tradition. As an alternative, we also offer the English Horn (French), which is also used in the Vienna Special Edition, played in the French school.

Requires the ViennaKey.

The Heckelphone was only developed in the 20th century and with its dark, expressive character it rounds out the oboes' tenor register. Because of its similar sound it can replace the baritone oboe.

Requires the ViennaKey.

The ViennaKey is necessary to run any VIENNA INSTRUMENT or Vienna Symphonic Library software. This USB protection device by eLicenser (formerly Syncrosoft) is not included in the box of any Collection, it is a separate item you have to get additionally.

You will need one ViennaKey for every computer you want to run a VIENNA INSTRUMENT on. So you’ll have to order at least one ViennaKey with your first purchase. Customers who order the complete SYMPHONIC CUBE will get one ViennaKey for free.

This beautiful poster produced by the Vienna Symphonic Library will be a gorgeous, yet practical addition to your studio.