woodwinds

1. A group of wind instruments with a softer tone than that of brass instruments. Woodwind players do not set the air in their instruments in motion by blowing through their closed lips against a cup-shaped mouthpiece, as players of brass instruments do. In woodwinds, the players insert the mouthpiece into their mouths and blow while pressing their lips against a single or double reed. Bassoons, clarinets, oboes, and saxophones are played in this way. In other woodwinds, the player blows across a hole (fifes, flutes, and piccolos) or into a whistlelike mouthpiece (recorders).

Example Sentences

Simon’s band members for this stint — a dozen or so strong, spanning percussion, woodwinds and guitars — were mostly impressionists during this portion, adding distant bells and chamber flourishes to the patina of these songs.

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The nine ensembles included a large mixed band that he headed, along with ensembles of strings, brass, woodwinds and choruses.

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In the often exquisite score, the strings throb and the woodwinds flutter.

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The woodwinds handed off phrases with snappy coordination.

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The Piano Concerto No. 25 was here fast and punchy, with fullness rather than finesse, and fizzy strings, bullish horns and swooning woodwinds.

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