Bassoon: noun, a double-reed instrument
with a deep rich tone, made from a long wooden tube which doubles back
on itself.
The German word for bassoon, faggot, literally means a bundle of sticks,
twigs etc.
The principal tenor and bass instrument of the orchestral woodwind,
the bassoon has been around since the 17th century. Its range extends from
that of Bb below the bass clef to treble E. Although considered
difficult to play due to the scientifically irrational placing of the finger
holes, as with everything, after much practice, it becomes easier. The
contrabassoon (double bassoon), playing one octave lower than the bassoon,
doubles back on itself four times with the bell pointing downwards.
The bassoon belongs to the same family as the oboe, both are double
reed instruments. It is made of European maple and the total length of
the bore is approximately 8 foot. The reed is made by bending double a
shaped strip of matured cane. Bassoonists usually sit in the final row
(apart from the percussionists) of the orchestra, next to the Bass Clarinets
and Trombones or Trumpets.
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