Bassoon

Did you know…?

The bassoon is also colloquially known as the "clown of the orchestra." This is due to the type of comical and burlesque noises and sounds that this musical instrument can reproduce.

Characteristics of the Bassoon:

The bassoon is another essential musical instrument in the woodwind family. It is an instrument relatively similar to the oboe and the English horn (although aesthetically they may resemble the clarinet more) as it also has a double reed.

History of the Bassoon:

The birth of the bassoon is the result of musicians' efforts to meet a musical need: to cover a lower sound range in the woodwind family.

Regarding the specific origins of this musical instrument, there are some unknowns. It is known that the bassoon emerged in the 17th century as a musical instrument derived from another instrument, typically used in Europe, in religious settings and at court: the dulcian. As we mentioned, this instrument eventually became the bassoon we know today, after certain changes and some time. Some of these significant changes can be attributed to the Frenchman Jean Nicolas Savary (around 1820-1830) and, on the other hand, to the German Wilhelm Heckel who applied sound improvements to the instrument (1931), and the Triebert family (25 years later) both perfecting this musical instrument and for the first time including Theobald Böhm's key system in the bassoon.

During the 17th century, the bassoon was used as support in the "bass" section of orchestras and even began to gain strength as a solo instrument during the following century (18th).

In the second half of the 17th century, this instrument was incorporated into orchestras, but from then on it was only used very regularly. In the 18th century, this instrument was no longer widely used as a bass, and the result of that decision allowed the bassoon to eventually take on the role of one of the solo musical instruments.

Main parts of the Bassoon:

The most characteristic feature of the bassoon, broadly speaking, would be its conical tube shape and the presence of a double reed. However, there are many more characteristic parts that define this wonderful musical instrument.

Let's look at them!

• Considerable dimensions

The bassoon's size is about 155 - 160 centimeters in length and an approximate weight of 10 kg. It could also reach a length of 260 cm if the instrument is fully extended. The other acute and grave versions, bassoonino and contrabassoon, respectively, have very different sizes.

• Narrow bell

Compared to other bells (like that of the saxophone), the bassoon's bell is relatively thin (4 centimeters).

• Elongated reeds

The bassoon's reeds are notably long, occupying up to 50% of the instrument's body.

• Narrow bocal, hooked and close to the bell.

The bocal ends very close to the instrument's bell, which does not happen in most wind instruments, where they are just on the opposite side, and it is also considerably thin, with a diameter of 4 millimeters.

• Body divisible into 4 parts

Bell, central body (bass), central body (tenor) and end section.

• Combination of materials

As with many woodwind instruments, many of their wooden parts are covered with metal or directly constructed from this material. There is also the presence of plastic materials such as ebonite (perfect for resisting possible moisture generated by the musician's saliva when blowing).

As for the wood used, it stands out for its medium hardness, such as maple.