The term 'Bassoon Cousins' refers to two woodwind instruments, the oboe and the English horn. Both instruments are members of the double reed family and have a similar sound. The oboe is a five-letter instrument that is commonly used in orchestras, bands, and chamber music. It has a distinctive, piercing sound and is often used as a solo instrument. The English horn is a larger version of the oboe and has a mellower, more reedy sound. It is often used in orchestral music and is sometimes referred to as the alto oboe.