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July 2022

Bassoon History And Facts

July 2022

Bassoons are double reed instruments that are a common sight in orchestras.

• Often confused with the oboe because of their similar appearances, a bassoon is quite different in terms of the music that it can create.

• Typically weighing around 7.5 pounds (3.4 kg), a bassoon is both heavy and difficult to handle.

• In an orchestra, you are typically able to see three to four bassoonists, depending on the nature of the musical piece that is being performed.

• A bassoon usually has 17-keys that function similar to other woodwind instruments.

• When air is passed through this pipe-like instrument and regulated through keys and holes, notes are generated.

• Nowadays, bassoons are very popular and are available in two main types:

  • German bassoons, or the Heckle, and the French bassoon, or the Buffet.

  • These bassoons also have different ways of being played, which make them quite special. Keep reading to learn more facts about bassoons and their range.

Interesting Facts About Bassoons

• Bassoons may look like intimidating instruments, and they are capable of making or breaking an orchestra.

• This large instrument is an essential part of an orchestra, as well as jazz ensembles.

• Thought to have originated from a Renaissance instrument, the bassoon has now become very popular.

• Classes for playing the bassoon are available throughout the world, and you can join any time you want.

Read the bassoon facts below to learn more:

• The bassoon is a woodwind instrument that is typically used in orchestras and bands.

• It has a unique sound that can be difficult to describe.

• In the early 1800s, the bassoon was considered to be one of the most important woodwind instruments.

• The bassoon is made up of five main parts: the reed, mouthpiece, barrel, upper joint, and lower joint.

• The reed is attached to the mouthpiece and creates the sound of the instrument.

• The barrel is responsible for controlling the pitch of the notes.

• The upper and lower joints are connected by a metal rod, and they control the length of the instrument.

• There are two main types of bassoons.

• The two types are German bassoons and French bassoons.

• The German bassoon and French bassoon use different kinds of fingering systems.

• German bassoons are called Heckles, and French bassoons are called Buffets.

• The German bassoon uses the Heckle system of fingering, whereas the French bassoon uses the Buffet system of fingering.

• A bassoon reed is made of a strip of cane.

• French and German reeds also have different characteristics.

• While German reeds are thicker in the spine, French reeds are beveled.

• The saxophone was invented in order to place bassoons and oboes in the modern orchestra.

• However, this was made impossible due to the fact that bassoons have a unique musical quality.

• Bassoons have a large range!

• If you ever hear of a double bassoon, reference is being made to a contrabassoon!

• The double bassoon stands at an immense height of 48 in (122 cm)!

• Other woodwind musical instruments use the Boehm system of fingering keys in order to create sounds, however, this does not apply to bassoons.

• Bassoons are usually heavy and hard to handle, which is why bassoonists have a neck strap to support themselves.

• In an orchestra, it is common to confuse bassoons with oboes!

• Bassoons in an orchestra can be identified through their reedy sound!

• One weird fact is that a bassoonist is required to have large hands.

• This is because the keys and holes of a bassoon are quite large!

• In an orchestra, the bassoon is an instrument that requires the action of all of your fingers to be played!

The Long History Of Bassoons

The bassoon has a long history that dates back to the 1500s. It was first used in military bands, and it eventually became popular in orchestras.

• Unfortunately, there are no clear records that can tell us how early bassoons came into existence.

• A school of thought believes that bassoons are the descendants of the dulcian.

• There is, however, another school of thought that suggests that this modern instrument was made by a French flutist named Jacques Martin Hoterrerre.

• The first bassoon is said to have had separate joints,

• The 17 key bassoon was created in the 19th century.

• The bassoon was polished for being played in orchestras and other formal public gatherings in the 19th century as well!

• The dulcian, which is the probable predecessor of bassoons, is also a double-reed woodwind instrument.

• Not only do an oboe and a bassoon look similar, but these musical instruments are also played in a similar fashion.

• In both cases, the musician is required to press the reed between their lips and their blow wind into it!

• Both a bassoon and an oboe have a conical bore in the middle.

• The metal mouthpiece, which is somewhat curved in shape, is called a crook!

Uses Of Bassoons

The modern bassoon is an essential part of the orchestra. This musical instrument can produce a wide range of sounds, which makes it quite important.

• Interestingly, bassoons are also played in military bands.

• Bassoons also make appearances in Jazz ensembles and chamber music groups.

• This instrument is often an important part of contemporary music as well as music of the romantic era!

• Bassoons are usually used for playing bass clef, however, they can also be used for playing tenor clef.

• The sounds that this instrument creates are also varied and are dependent on the skill of the musician.

• Bassoonists are required to have a lot of breathing capacity as well as physical strength. This is because playing the bassoon is not child's play!

What is a bassoon's range?

Bassoons are one of the most versatile woodwind instruments. The modern bassoon is a double-reed instrument that can either be German or French.

• A bassoon's range is quite large and goes from a low B flat to a high F.

• Bassoons have a bass joint, a bell joint, and a wing joint.

• The bass joint is the instrument's fifth section that connects the boot joint to the bell joint.

• This instrument looks like an oboe but has a larger range.

• In order to play the bassoon, musicians usually have some support. This is because bassoons are quite heavy and tough to handle.

• The music generated through this wonderous instrument can be used on a number of platforms, which adds to the versatility of bassoons.

• Bassoons are thought to have come from the concept of dulcians, which are Renaissance instruments.

• Bassoonists are often known to make their own reeds.

• The keys of a bassoon are placed in such a way that musicians are required to use all their fingers in order to play this instrument.

• The sound that a bassoon makes is also dependent on the method which is taken up by the bassoonist.

• Some methods are easy and produce a somewhat linear sound.

• Others are harder to achieve but create depth!