The term 'OBOE's Cousin' refers to two instruments, the BASSOON and the English Horn. The BASSOON is a double reed woodwind instrument that is commonly used in orchestras and wind ensembles. It has a deep, rich sound and is usually played with a curved metal tube called a bocal. The English Horn is also a double reed woodwind instrument, but it is larger than the BASSOON and has a mellower, more lyrical sound. It is often used in classical music and is sometimes referred to as the 'alto OBOE'.