An oboe is a wooden musical instrument that produces sound when you blow air through a thin double reed (two small pieces of cane tied together that vibrate against each other). The oboe has a distinct, penetrating tone that can sound sweet and lyrical or urgent and emotional, depending on how it's played.

In an orchestra, the oboe often plays the note that all the other instruments tune to before a concert begins. Its clear, steady pitch makes it perfect for this important job. The oboe appears prominently in classical music, from symphonies to movie soundtracks, and can convey everything from pastoral calm to dramatic intensity.

Playing the oboe requires strong breath control and careful finger positioning over its many keys and holes. Oboists (oboe players) spend years mastering their instrument's technique and learning to make their own reeds, which wear out quickly and must be replaced regularly.

If you've ever heard the mournful theme from Peter and the Wolf representing the duck, that's an oboe showing its expressive character.