The Secret Life of the Orchestra: Woodwind

The Orchestra is a mysterious beast. Developed over hundreds of years from instruments with diverse origins; assembling massive numbers of musicians playing instruments that require many years of practise to master; capable of changes in sound and colour that range from a whisper to a jet engine...

When it all comes together, the results can be startling, but how does it all work?  And where did it all come from?

Karl Steven continues his four-part investigation of the orchestra, this time exploring the woodwind family.  From snake charmers to bagpipes, from pan pipes to concert halls, this family has been causing controversy wherever it goes…for over 35,000 years...