Bassoon

What is a bassoon?

The bassoon is a woodwind instrument characterized by its deep, characteristic sound and striking appearance. It belongs to the family of double-reed instruments, the group of aerophones and is used in various musical genres such as classical music, jazz and film music. The bassoon is the instrument of the year 2012.

History of the bassoon

The origin of the name “bassoon” goes back to the early 16th century and comes from the Italian (from “fagotto”). The first written mention in the form “bassoon” dates back to 1518, but only about a hundred years later in German. The etymological derivation is uncertain, but it is reasonable to assume that the instrument got its name because of its multi-part construction. Friedrich Christian Diez suggested in 1636 that the term could go back to the Italian “fagotto” for “brushwood”, as the instrument can be divided into several parts and packed together like a bundle of rice.

However, this explanation is not uncontroversial and it is assumed that the name of the instrument and the Italian “fagotto” (“bundle”) or the French “fagot”, which has the same meaning, are merely homonyms, i.e. similar-sounding but unrelated words. The meaning of “brushwood” was apparently not yet in common use in Italian in the 16th century. In Occitan, however, “fagot” is found in this meaning as early as the 13th century, although the etymology of this word remains unclear. A derivation from the Latin “fagus” (“beech”) or a Germanic origin is suspected.

Some researchers, including Diez and Ernst Gamillscheg, derive the term more from the Latin “fax” (“pinewood”) or from a diminutive form (*facellus > *facottus) of this word, which also led to “torch” in German. In Latin, there are also similarities with the name of the ceremonial staff of the Roman lictors, the “fascis”, as well as in Greek with “φάκελος” (“bundle”), and all are ultimately based on the Indo-European root *pak- (“to plait, bind”).

The relationship between the bassoon and the phagotum, a miniature organ developed by Teseo Ambrogio degli Albonesi around 1520, remains a mystery. Interestingly, Ambrogio explained the name of this instrument around 100 years before Marin Mersenne, referring not to brushwood or bundles, but to the Latin “fagus” (“beech”) and the Greek “φαγεῖν” (“to eat”), more precisely its past participle active πεφαγώς (“to have eaten”). The phagotum’s ingenious wind mechanism could therefore “eat” a wide variety of sounds and emit them again at the push of a button.

In the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, the variety of instruments expanded with the development of polyphony. Entire (register) sets from soprano to bass were developed from individual instruments. The various low double-reed instruments such as the bass pommer and the conical Renaissance rancet were really new here. They can all be regarded as forerunners of the bassoon, but the dulcian is generally regarded as a precursor due to its shape. It was still made from a single piece of wood and already had a conical bore.

In the middle of the 17th century, resourceful woodwind instrument makers began to make the instrument from several individual parts: In music history, this is regarded as the birth of the bassoon. From then on, it was able to assert itself over other low reed instruments for two main reasons: Firstly, the quality of the instruments increased, as the individual parts could be turned and drilled more precisely than the whole block; secondly, the bassoon also gained popularity among itinerant musicians, as it was handier to transport than other bass instruments such as the double bass or viola da gamba. Bassoons (and dulcians) were available in various sizes and tunings at the time, which have largely disappeared today with the exception of the contrabassoon, which is an octave lower.

Structure of a bassoon

The body of the bassoon consists of four essential parts that form the basic structure of the instrument in harmonious interaction. The bell, also known as the “cap” or “bell”, sits on the bass tube, which in turn is attached to the wing in the boot. These parts contain the tone holes and the keys, which can influence the pitch by changing the vibrating air column. The wooden parts are usually made of maple, or rosewood in the case of the “French system”. A hand or thumb rest on the boot allows the right hand to operate the five fingers independently of each other.

The S-bow is then inserted into the wing, the shape of which gives the instrument its name. The choice of material for the S-bow – nickel silver, brass or gold – is similar to the search for the perfect violin bow. Bassoonists often have several S-bows of different lengths in order to roughly tune the instrument. The bassoon itself reaches a height of approx. 1.35 m, the total length including the S-bow is approx. 2.55 m.

The mechanics

The complexity of the bassoon is reflected in its mechanism, which has 19 tone holes for chromatic playing and up to nine additional holes to improve intonation. Modern bassoons use rubber or silver sleeves on the tone holes, which are covered with the fingers. An ingenious key mechanism made of silver-plated or nickel-plated nickel silver enables the other tone holes to be opened and closed. The right hand is relieved by a hand rest on the boot.

The reed

The heart of the bassoon is the double reed, or reed for short, which sits on the S-bow. By periodically opening and closing the two reeds, the air column in the instrument is set into vibration, a tone is produced and the bassoon is made to sound. The reed is made from pile cane, in particular from the reed species “Arundo donax”, which is native to the Mediterranean region. The production and processing of these reeds requires experience, as the smallest changes in the wood, curvature and thickness affect the vibration behavior and therefore the playability and sound.

Bassoon reeds are unique and have to be customized, because a reed that is ideal for one bassoonist may be difficult to play for another player or another instrument. The lengthy manufacturing process means that a good reed has to be reworked after three to ten weeks of intensive use, as the wood changes during this time.

Tone or sound production of the bassoon

The double reed, also known as a “reed”, consists of two free-swinging reeds made from pile cane, a type of reed from the Mediterranean region. In order to produce a sound, the reed must be firmly enclosed with the lips, with the lips pulled slightly over the teeth and the lower jaw slightly retracted. The shaping of the oral cavity and the lips on the vowel “O” is crucial for sound production.

The combination of these elements is called “embouchure”, a central term in the wind repertoire. Similar to the S-bow, each reed varies in texture and the thin reeds require individual processing to produce the desired sound. The production of bassoon reeds is a complex process that requires special machines as well as delicate hand tools. The durability of a reed varies depending on the intensity of use, with advanced players often making their own reeds, while beginners should rely on their teachers.

In the past, double reed players were considered “crazy” because they required more power to play. The earlier challenges in manufacturing the reeds and instruments led to coarser material and higher blowing pressure. Today, the instruments and tools are so technically advanced that the reeds can be blown without excessive pressure.

Bassoon playing technique

The bassoon is held diagonally in front of the body. Due to its heavy weight (3-4 kg), a carrying aid is required, usually a neck or shoulder strap with a hook, which is hooked into an eyelet provided on the upper edge of the boot. With this carrying method, the center of gravity of the instrument can be individually adjusted using a balance holder. Other options for taking the strain off the player include seat belts (which are attached to an eyelet on the underside of the boot), leg rests or playing stands.

A special feature of the bassoon are the up to three so-called slide keys. When playing freely in the middle register or when jumping into the middle register of the second register, they are only opened briefly when the note is blown to make the response easier and then usually closed again immediately to improve the intonation and sound of the respective note.

As with other woodwind instruments, there are a number of extended playing techniques, such as multiphonics, flutter tonguing, circular breathing, double and triple tonguing and harmonics.

Instrument of the year 2012

The bassoon was chosen as Instrument of the Year 2012 by the Schleswig-Holstein and Berlin State Music Councils. The aim was to draw special attention to the instrument and arouse enthusiasm for it. Numerous concerts, workshops and events took place this year, focusing on the bassoon’s unique timbres, playing techniques and nuances. The State Music Council collected, publicized and promoted a variety of events related to the bassoon, while the German Orchestra Association also welcomed and supported these campaigns.

Use of the instrument in music

The bassoon is used in many different ways in music. In classical music, it is an integral part of the orchestra and often plays the bass part. It contributes to the richness of sound and the harmonic structure of the ensemble. The bassoon is also used in chamber music ensembles, wind orchestras and jazz bands. In film music, the bassoon is often found accompanying scary or comedic scenes, as it is capable of expressing a wide range of moods and emotions.