The bassoon, so named for its original shape resembling a bellows, is a wind instrument belonging to the woodwind family (or aerophones in the Hornbostel-Sachs classification) and historically made almost exclusively of wood.

It features a double reed, whose vibration generates sound through the two wooden tubes that form the instrument’s structure. These are joined into a single chamber and typically crafted from various woods such as pear, ebony, rosewood, or others. The bassoon also includes a system of five keys and holes, allowing the player to position their hands effectively for sound modulation.

The entire structure is approximately 2.6 meters long (some manufacturers slightly reduce this length to make the instrument more manageable), with the lower part folded into a ‘U’ shape. There is also a larger version known as the contrabassoon, which is roughly twice as long and produces sounds an octave lower than the standard bassoon, allowing for deeper notes.

The bassoon is a vital part of an orchestra, providing low notes that create a solid foundation for melodies by reinforcing the bass. It is a remarkable instrument, with a range of three and a half octaves (from low B-flat to high E). It reads music in the bass (F) and tenor (C) clefs, and rarely in the treble (G) clef. This ability to switch between registers makes the bassoon suitable for solo performances, creating beautiful melodies. Its unique feature is that it is pitched in C, meaning the written notes match the played notes without transposition, simplifying music reading for learners.

Below is a video from Made in Orchestra, a channel dedicated to musicians who play or aspire to play in an orchestra, which we recommend following.

How is a bassoon made?

To understand an instrument, it is fascinating to learn how it is assembled. The bassoon consists primarily of a double reed and two wooden tubes forming a conical bore. The reed is attached to a metal tube called an S-bend, which connects it to the wooden bore. The bore itself is composed of three parts:

• The wing joint (or tenor joint), which is water-resistant to prevent damage from saliva.
• The boot joint, featuring a metal U-tube that connects the two bores and is protected by a metal cap.
• The long joint and the bell, which typically ends with a white ring marking the instrument’s conclusion.

The ‘U’-shaped part is crucial for the instrument’s proper functioning. The thin grooves etched into the wood allow for precise adjustments to the reed.

The history of the bassoon

The bassoon’s earliest ancestor, the dulcian, dates back to the Renaissance and was widely used from the mid-1500s to 1700. The transition to the modern bassoon occurred for two reasons: the modern bassoon’s sectional construction made it easier to transport, and working with shorter wooden segments allowed for greater precision in crafting holes and grooves.

Material improvements also accompanied this evolution, with durable materials like ebony, ivory, and bone replacing softer woods.

By the 19th century, there were two primary types of bassoons: baroque and classical, suited to their respective musical styles. Two construction standards emerged: the French model, developed by Buffet Crampon Paris, and the German model, created by Heckel. The French model, elegant and refined, is now used mainly by the Paris Opera Orchestra. Heckel’s design, featuring additional keys and holes, became the global standard, making the bassoon widely recognized and integral to orchestras worldwide.

How to play the bassoon

For beginners, it’s recommended to use a free reed blowing technique to develop a proper embouchure. The air should come from the diaphragm, not just the lungs. The double reed should always be in contact with the lips, not the teeth, to prevent damage.

The bassoon is easy to tune. A fluorescent lamp can detect vibrations to ensure proper tuning.

Pressing all five open holes produces an F note. Closing the holes in sequence produces notes such as E, D, C, B, and A. Higher notes require the second harmonic. Specific key combinations enable the lower register of the great octave G.

The bassoon is versatile, capable of expressing a wide range of moods and styles: pastoral, modern, lyrical, rustic, melancholic, grotesque, comedic, and more.