Bassoon

From Music-Web Encyclopedia

The bassoon is a double reed woodwind instrument and is generally used as the bass of the woodwind family in standard ensembles, although the rarely-used contrabassoon has a range of an octave lower. Constructed of pear or maple, it has a rich mellow tone that is versatile throughout its wide range. Its length demands that the tube be bent in a U-bend at the bottom so the bell is at the top. It is played by a double reed attached to a bent metal crook that extends from the wing joint. This joint is connected to the U-bend from which the long joint and then the bell proceed parallel to the wing joint. There is a combination of holes and keys. Many of the holes are oblique in order to make them easier to reach with human hands. The fingering is similar to that of a treble recorder, with the main exception being the great number of thumb keys for both hands, known as speaker keys and used for intonation and octave selection. Some keys are fitted with rollers to make transition between keys easier.

In German it is referred to as ‘Fagott’ and the Italians use the similar ‘fagotto’. These words mean ‘bundle’ or ‘bundle of sticks’ and it can easily be assumed that the bassoon was named because of its resemblance to a bundle of sticks. Some authorities dispute this common assumption so the origin of the names is still inconclusive. The origin of the English term ‘bassoon’ or the French ‘basson’ is also unknown as yet.

In composition it can be used as both a bass and a tenor instrument and in orchestral music it frequently plays melodic solos and florid passages. It blends well with horns and trombones so these combinations are often used in chordal writing. The bassoon is known to have a big personality. It is equally effective in a comical run of staccatos as it is in a plaintive tenor passage.

Wagner played a key role in the development of the bassoon. His close relationship with Heckel enabled him to influence Heckel in his designs. As a composer he was intrigued by the instrument and frequently stretched its limits. He is most famous for inventing the ‘Wagner Bell’ which is longer than a standard bassoon bell so that the range of the bassoon is extended a semitone to reach low A. He then wrote the low A into a bassoon part and Wagner Bells are still available to purchase today. An alternative that has proven more popular amongst many typically eccentric bassoonists is to place a rolled-up piece of paper in the end of the bell to extend its length. Both methods render the low Bb impossible to play.