The cor anglais—also known as the English horn—is a double-reed woodwind instrument in the oboe family. It has a rich history, originating around 1720 from the oboe da caccia. Notable composers, such as Gustav Mahler and Heitor Villa-Lobos, have included the cor anglais in their works. Curious facts about the instrument include its elongated shape, pear-shaped bell, and the absence of a lowest B♭ key found on most oboes. The cor anglais is used in various music genres, including orchestral music, chamber music, and concertos. Its mellow and plaintive tone distinguishes it from other instruments in the oboe family.