The French Horn in Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf

What instrument plays the melody in this excerpt from Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf?

a) "Flute" b) "Violin" c) "Clarinet" d) "French horn"

Final answer:

The French horn is the instrument that plays the melody in the excerpt from Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf.

Explanation: The main answer to the question about which instrument plays the melody in the excerpt from Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf is the French horn. The piece is known for using different instruments to represent different characters, and the French horn is the one that represents the character of the wolf, playing the menacing and distinct melody associated with it. In Prokofiev's orchestral fairy tale, each character is represented by a different instrument: for example, the bird is represented by the flute and the duck by the oboe, but it is the French horn that takes on the role of the wolf.

In the context of wind instruments, the French horn is known for its wide range and ability to play both low and high notes. The length and shape of the French horn, with its coiled tube, allow it to produce a wide variety of tones, which Prokofiev makes full use of in his composition. As part of the woodwind and brass families, instruments are often characterized by their method of tone production, size, and sound, and the French horn's distinct resonant sound makes it an ideal choice for the character of the wolf.