The bassoon, also known as the fagott or basson, is a unique and essential member of the orchestral woodwind family. This instrument, characterized by its long tube and double-reed system, produces a rich, warm, and deeply resonant sound that has been a cornerstone of orchestral music since the late Baroque era. In this article, we will explore the bassoon‘s definition, history, types, uses in music, and some fascinating facts about this remarkable instrument.
Definition and Basic Characteristics
A bassoon is a musical instrument that consists of a long tube, or bore, that doubles back on itself to create space for air to move through the instrument, producing a sound. This bore leads from the curved metal crook, onto which the double reed is placed, downward through the wing, or tenor, joint (on which are the left-hand finger holes) to the butt joint (on which are the right-hand holes). The bore then doubles back, ascending through the butt to the long joint and bell, where the holes are controlled by keywork for the left thumb.
The bassoon’s double reed is made by bending a shaped strip of cane, creating a vibrating surface that splits the air stream to produce sound. This double-reed system, along with the instrument’s long, conical bore, contributes to the bassoon’s distinctive timbre, which is both mellow and powerful.
History and Evolution
The bassoon is a 17th-century development of earlier instruments such as the sordone, fagotto, and dulcian, known in England as the curtal. It was first mentioned around 1540 in Italy as an instrument with both ascending and descending bores contained in a single piece of maple or pear wood. Many examples of these early instruments survive in European museums.
The present construction of the bassoon, in four separate joints, is thought to have been developed in France by 1636. The development of the bassoon, which is the bass voice of the woodwinds, is believed to have closely followed the reconstitution of the shawm and oboe.
During the 18th century, the bassoon’s value to the ensemble was first recognized, and to this day, Western orchestras have typically employed two bassoons. It also became valued as a solo instrument, particularly for concerti. Well into the late 18th century, no mechanism beyond the four keys was used, as most semitones outside the natural scale of C were obtained by cross-fingerings, opening the holes non-consecutively.
Keys were added from about 1780 to approximately 1840, when the Paris models of Jean-Nicholas Savary, with additional improvements in bore and mechanism, became the 20-keyed standard. That version, made by the firm of Buffet-Crampon, continues to be used in France, Italy, and Spain, and by some British players.
Types of Bassoons
In the context of the contemporary orchestra, there are two primary types of bassoons: the concert bassoon and the contrabassoon.
Concert Bassoon
The concert bassoon, or simply bassoon, is the more common type found in orchestras. It has a range of three octaves upward from the B♭ below the bass staff, with the most-used melodic range coinciding with that of the tenor voice. Since the mid-19th century, the range has been extended up to treble E.
The concert bassoon is held aslant on a sling and is played with all ten fingers, as well as the thumbs, which control keys and holes on the instrument. Its classical compass and rich timbre make it an indispensable member of the orchestral woodwind section.
Contrabassoon
The contrabassoon is a larger variation of the concert bassoon that plays a full octave lower. Instead of a single bend in the instrument’s bore, like a concert bassoon has, a contrabassoon has two bends that the air has to pass through. This makes the contrabassoon somewhat unwieldy and less common than regular bassoons.
However, its deep, resonant sound is highly valued in orchestras, particularly for providing a rich, foundational bass line. The contrabassoon is often used in conjunction with the concert bassoon to create a full, rich sound in the lower register of the orchestra.
Uses in Music
The bassoon’s rich, warm sound has made it a staple of orchestral music for centuries. Its timbre is particularly well-suited to playing melodic lines, as well as providing a rich, foundational bass line in orchestral arrangements. The bassoon’s range and expressive capabilities also make it a popular choice for solo and chamber music performances.
In addition to its orchestral uses, the bassoon is also found in a variety of other musical settings, including symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, wind ensembles, and opera orchestras. Its versatility and expressive range make it a valuable addition to any musical ensemble.
Fascinating Facts About the Bassoon
Length and Construction: Bassoons are over four feet long, making them the longest woodwind instrument. Their construction typically involves four separate joints: the wing joint, the boot joint, the bell joint, and the crook.
Double Reed: The bassoon uses a double reed, which vibrates to produce sound. This double-reed system requires a unique playing technique and a high level of control and precision.
Finger Holes and Keys: The bassoon has finger holes on the wing and boot joints, which are played with the left and right hands, respectively. Additionally, the instrument has keys on the bell joint and crook, which are controlled by the thumbs.
Range and Compass: The bassoon’s range is extensive, spanning three octaves from the B♭ below the bass staff up to treble E. This range allows the bassoon to play both melodic and harmonic roles in orchestral music.
Difficulty: The bassoon is considered one of the most difficult woodwind instruments to play due to its complex fingering system, the need for precise control over breath and reed vibration, and the physical demands of holding and playing the instrument.
Orchestral Role: The bassoon is a critical member of the orchestral woodwind section, providing a rich, foundational bass line and playing important melodic lines in many orchestral works.
Solo and Chamber Music: Despite its challenges, the bassoon is also a popular choice for solo and chamber music performances, where its unique timbre and expressive range can be fully explored.
Conclusion
The bassoon is a remarkable and versatile instrument that has been an integral part of orchestral music for centuries. Its rich, warm sound, extensive range, and expressive capabilities make it a valuable addition to any musical ensemble. From its early beginnings as a simple wooden tube to its modern, sophisticated construction, the bassoon has evolved into a highly refined and expressive musical instrument.
