Bassoon Music

How The Bassoon Works

Along the body there are keys and holes. By opening and closing these, the bassoonist is able to lengthen and shorten the area in which the air vibrates, effectively changing the note that is created. Most bassoons are built according to the Heckel system, which makes the fingering easier because of an intricate system of keys. Still, owing to their size, bassoons are more difficult for children and petite people to play. Special smaller versions are available if necessary.

The instrument is usually attached to the musician by a harness extending from the neck or chair. It is held across the body in the same manner as a saxophone.

The Music

The bassoon is sometimes difficult to learn, especially for younger children. Teachers will frequently have students first learn the oboe or the clarinet. But there is no reason to avoid the bassoon if it is your instrument of choice -- especially as oboes and clarinets do not have the same fingering or sound, both factors that can make the switch difficult.

The bassoon has a very wide range of notes and can extend over three octaves. It also has a very versatile sound. Used for melancholy pieces, it is also ideal for accompaniments, harmonizing, solos, and often even for a comedic effect. One of the most recognizable uses of the bassoon is in Edvard Grieg's "Peter and the Wolf," where the bassoon represented the grandfather. Because of its unique tone and ability to supply a beautiful bass in woodwind orchestras, the bassoon is frequently used in classical music and modern ensembles.

Music