Single vs Double Woodwinds

"The 2000 version used single woodwinds. The new version uses doubles. You can hear the difference immediately." — Prof T

Single woodwinds (1 flute, 1 oboe, 1 clarinet, 1 bassoon) give you a transparent, chamber-like texture. Every line is exposed. There's nowhere to hide — and that's the point. Great for clarity and intimacy.

Double woodwinds (2 of each) are the standard symphony orchestra setup. You get a richer, fuller sound with the ability to harmonize within each instrument family. Doublings add weight, and the extra players open up more voicing options.

The choice between single and double isn't just about volume — it's about the density of your orchestral texture. Single woodwinds pair naturally with smaller string sections; doubles match the weight of a full symphony.