The English horn, or Cor Anglais, is an alto oboe. Its limited range and its articulation difficulties are similar to those of the oboe. The English horn sounds best in its middle register, where its deeply brooding and pungently dark timbre can be most easily produced. The higher and lower registers are stringent and cannot be played softly. The tone is phenomenally expressive and attractive but must be used sparingly. In its essentially melodic role, the English horn is most valuable for the expression of the more tragic and meditative moods. It also adds a choice richness when used as an alto voice in woodwind harmony.
Good examples of the use of English horn may be heard in the slow movement of Symphony No. 5 by Dvorák ("From the New World") and in Concerto da Camera for flute, English horn and strings by Honegger.
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