Ivanreeds Ivan Calestani
The Creations of Ivan Calestani
Ivan Calestani is an Italian artisan and musician specializing in the crafting of bassoon, contrabassoon, and historical instrument reeds such as dulcian, baroque bassoon, classical bassoon, and oboe da caccia. His internationally appreciated production stems from deep personal experience as a performer and an obsessive search for the best materials available.
Each reed is made by carefully selecting the cane, chosen one by one with precision and musical sensitivity. The result is a top-quality product loved by bassoonists worldwide.
Collection and Customization
Reeds by Ivan Calestani are the result of an in-depth study of the specific needs of each instrument and musical style. His collection includes:
- Bassoon reeds: precise, responsive, and perfectly balanced.
- Contrabassoon reeds: crafted to ensure optimal air seal and great sonic depth.
- Historical instrument reeds: including dulcian, baroque bassoon, classical bassoon, and oboe da caccia, made respecting their original historical characteristics.
Each reed can be custom-made to match the performer’s personal taste.
Philosophy and Materials
Ivan’s construction philosophy is based on three pillars:
- Obsessive cane selection: every piece is individually chosen and tested to guarantee consistency and tonal quality.
- Direct performance experience: Ivan builds reeds with the awareness of someone who uses them himself, adapting them to the real needs of musicians.
- Continuous technical evolution: constant research on materials, shapes, and techniques to optimize comfort, durability, and sound.
Everything is crafted by hand with artisanal care.
Experience, Training and Collaborations
Ivan graduated in bassoon in 1995 with top marks from the “Arrigo Boito” Conservatory in Parma. He studied with giants of the bassoon repertoire such as Sergio Azzolini and Klaus Thunemann, and deepened his knowledge of the baroque bassoon with Alberto Grazzi and other leading performers.
Throughout his career he has performed with orchestras such as Camerata Salzburg, RSO Wien, Europa Galante, Freiburger Barockorchester, I Barocchisti, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Ensemble Zefiro, and Concentus Musicus Wien, with which he has collaborated regularly since 2017. Since 2023 he has been professor of baroque bassoon at MUK in Vienna.
A Dream That Continues
The passion for music and the desire to build perfect tools have led Ivan Calestani to merge craftsmanship and musical expertise into a single vision. Every reed tells a story made of dedication, technique, and the desire to share.
His creations continue to travel across the world, played in the most prestigious concert halls. Ivan does not create simple accessories, but tools that breathe together with the musician.