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Contrabassoon

The contrabassoon, also known as the double bassoon, is a large double-reed woodwind instrument that sounds an octave below the bassoon, providing profound bass support in orchestral settings.^[1]^[2] It features a folded conical bore approximately 18 feet (5.5 meters) in length, which doubles back on itself four times via U-shaped metal or wooden turns to create a compact, multi-jointed body typically made of maple, with a removable bell and complex keywork operating 21 tone holes.^[3] The instrument uses a larger double reed crafted from Arundo donax cane, producing a dark, rich tone with sustained depth in the low register that becomes clearer and harder in higher notes; its practical range spans from B♭0 (or A0 with an extended bell) to C4, fully chromatic and transposing an octave below written pitch.^[1]^[3] Due to its size and weight—often exceeding 20 pounds—it is played seated, supported by a floor spike or endpin.^[3] Instruments resembling the contrabassoon date back to the 17th century, with early forms appearing in European ensembles for low-register reinforcement, though they were cumbersome and limited in playability.^[2] The modern design emerged in the late 19th century, pioneered by the Heckel family in Biebrich, Germany, who patented a three-jointed, side-by-side configuration in 1877 to improve portability, particularly for military bands, and refined it between 1879 and 1900 into the standard model still used today.^[1]^[3] Early orchestral uses of precursor forms include Beethoven's Fifth Symphony in 1808; Wilhelm Heckel's innovations, including specialized bocals with slides for tuning, were praised by composers like Richard Wagner and contributed to the instrument's widespread adoption from the late 19th century onward.^[1]^[2] In contemporary orchestras, the contrabassoon serves primarily as the lowest voice in the woodwind section, doubling bass lines or adding color and weight to harmonic foundations in works by composers such as Bach, Haydn, Wagner, and Verdi, with rare solo passages in pieces like Verdi's Don Carlos.^[1] Leading manufacturers like Wilhelm Heckel GmbH and Fox Products continue to produce these instruments, emphasizing precision craftsmanship for intonation and tonal balance, while its fingering system mirrors that of the bassoon, facilitating performance by experienced bassoonists.^[1]^[3] Despite its niche role, the contrabassoon's unique buzz and power have elevated its status beyond mere reinforcement, contributing distinctive timbre to symphonic music.^[2]

Design and Construction

Relation to the Bassoon

The contrabassoon, also known as the double bassoon, serves as the lowest-pitched member of the bassoon family, functioning as an octave transposition downward from the standard bassoon. Whereas the bassoon sounds from B♭1 to F4, the contrabassoon produces notes from B♭0 to C4, providing deeper bass reinforcement in musical ensembles.^[4]^[1]^[5] Both instruments share a double-reed mechanism, where two closely aligned reeds vibrate to initiate sound, and a conical bore that expands gradually from the reed end to the bell, contributing to their characteristic reedy timbre.^[2]^[4] However, the contrabassoon's bore is roughly double the length of the bassoon's, extending approximately 18 feet (5.5 meters) in total unfolded tube versus the bassoon's 8 feet (2.5 meters), necessitating extensive folding to make it playable.^[2]^[6] The fingering system of the contrabassoon closely mirrors that of the bassoon, allowing bassoonists to adapt with minimal retraining, though the larger scale demands significantly greater air pressure to fill the extended bore and sustain low frequencies.^[1]^[4] This increased airflow requirement, combined with the instrument's bulkier dimensions, imposes considerable physical strain on performers, including higher breath support and posture adjustments.^[2]^[4] Ergonomically, the contrabassoon differs markedly from its higher counterpart due to its substantial weight—over 20 pounds (9 kilograms) compared to the bassoon's 6–7 pounds (2.7–3.2 kilograms)—rendering handheld play impractical without support.^[7]^[6] It typically requires a floor stand or endpin for stability during performance, and its keywork is more elaborate, with additional mechanisms distributed across the body to maintain intonation and response in the ultralow register.^[1]^[4] Historically, the contrabassoon developed primarily as a supportive bass-line doubler in orchestral and choral settings rather than as an independent redesign of the bassoon, with early precursors appearing in the 17th century and its standardized form emerging in the late 19th century through refinements by makers like Wilhelm Heckel.^[2]^[1] This evolution emphasized its role in reinforcing the bassoon's lowest notes, enhancing harmonic depth without altering the family's core design principles.^[4]

Physical Features and Materials

The contrabassoon features a folded conical bore approximately 18 feet (5.5 meters) in length, which is compacted into a manageable overall height of about 6 feet (1.8 meters) when fully assembled, achieved through five parallel tube sections connected by four tight U-shaped bends.^[3] These sections typically include a metal shank, wing joint, middle joint, long joint, and bell, with the bore doubling back on itself multiple times in a configuration resembling a series of parallel tubes linked by metal U-bends.^[8] The body is primarily constructed from select, aged maple wood, often mountain maple, with thicker walls compared to the standard bassoon to provide structural stability for the larger instrument.^[9] Nickel silver keys with silver plating are standard, connected via posts, rods, and springs to cover tone holes, vents, and registers across the extended body.^[9]^[3] The key system employs a full German configuration with approximately 25 keys, incorporating specialized mechanisms such as low-note vents, alternate E♭ keys for the right forefinger, divorced low E mechanisms, and roller linkages for the left and right little fingers to facilitate operation by larger hands.^[9]^[1]^[10] Flageolet keys assist in the high register, while the overall setup distributes controls over the parallel joints for ergonomic access to widely spaced tone holes.^[3] Reeds are double reeds made from cane (Arundo donax), scaled up to roughly twice the size of standard bassoon reeds, and can also be synthetic alternatives for durability.^[1]^[9] Detachable bocals, or S-shaped metal crooks, serve as tuning extensions connecting the reed to the wing joint, with options for variations like low A or B♭ extensions in modern instruments to adjust pitch and range.^[1]^[9] Assembly involves connecting the wooden joints via the U-bends and tuning slides, often with an adjustable end pin and left-hand support for balance, typically requiring a seat strap or floor stand due to the instrument's weight.^[9] The maple body is susceptible to warping in high-humidity environments, necessitating careful maintenance such as regular swabbing and controlled storage conditions.^[3]

Acoustics and Notation

Range

The contrabassoon's practical sounding range spans from Bb0 to approximately C4 (or higher in capable hands), encompassing about three octaves and serving as the lowest-pitched woodwind in standard orchestration.^[8]^[11] This range positions it as an octave below the bassoon, which typically covers a written (and sounding) range of Bb1 to F4, thereby emphasizing the contrabassoon's role in providing deep sub-bass foundations.^[12] The lowest notes, particularly below Bb1, require precise embouchure control—often involving a relaxed yet focused lip pressure and ample airflow—to achieve response and pitch stability, as excessive tension can stifle tone production. An optional low A extension, a detachable tube available for many models, adds a semitone below Bb0 to reach A0, enhancing flexibility for composers seeking extreme depths without altering the instrument's core design.^[13]^[14] This extension, while not universal, allows access to rarely notated pitches in repertoire such as the low A in the final scene of Richard Strauss's Salome or in Wagner's Siegfried.^[15] Notation for the contrabassoon employs bass clef for the majority of its range, shifting to treble clef for passages above written Bb3, and sounds an octave lower than written throughout—no additional transposition is applied, distinguishing it from certain brass instruments that require interval adjustments.^[12]^[16] For instance, written Bb1 (on the ledger line below the bass clef) produces the sounding Bb0, the instrument's fundamental low pitch, facilitating readable scores despite the octave displacement.^[17] Composers must account for this fixed octave lowering when scoring, ensuring high-register demands remain within practical limits up to written Db4 or so.^[11] The instrument's registers align closely with bassoon mechanics but inverted in key usage. In the low register (sounding Bb0 to Bb1), fundamental tones are produced without vent keys, relying on closed fingerings for resonance.^[18] The middle register (Bb1 to Bb2) activates the octave key to maintain stability and prevent cracking, contrasting the bassoon's whisper key for low notes.^[19] Above Bb2, the high register demands overblowing techniques combined with vent keys (such as the C# resonance key) to clarify pitch and support intonation, where player skill significantly influences usability.^[20] Fingering systems exhibit substantial overlap with the bassoon, sharing basic patterns across the core range due to analogous bore and key layouts, which eases transitions for double reed specialists. However, the contrabassoon's extended low notes necessitate alternate fingerings—often incorporating additional low vents or half-hole adjustments—for optimal intonation and tone, particularly in the sub-Bb1 region where the longer bore amplifies pitch variability.^[21] These adaptations ensure the instrument's sub-bass capabilities without compromising the familiarity of upper fingerings.^[22]

Tone and Sound Production

The contrabassoon produces sound through a double reed mechanism, where two blades of cane from Arundo donax vibrate against each other when air is blown through them, creating oscillations in the air column within the instrument's bore.^[1] The reed, attached to a curved metal or plastic bocal (crook), is larger than a standard bassoon reed to accommodate the instrument's lower pitch, typically measuring 70-75 mm in overall length with a blade length of about 35 mm and a tip width of 19-21 mm.^[23]^[24] This vibration drives a substantial volume of air through the extended conical bore, which is roughly twice the length of the bassoon's, requiring greater breath support from the player to initiate and sustain tones.^[25]^[1] The timbre of the contrabassoon is characterized by a deep, reedy, and growling quality in its low register, rich in harmonics that provide a foundational bass presence in ensembles, while the middle register offers a more lyrical and woody tone suitable for melodic lines.^[1] In the high register, the sound becomes thinner and more piercing, with reduced stability compared to the bassoon due to weaker harmonic support and challenges in reed compliance.^[25] The fundamental frequencies span from approximately 29 Hz for the lowest Bb to 220 Hz for A in the upper practical range, contributing to its somber, resonant profile.^[26] Acoustic challenges include a notably slow response time in the low register, where notes may take longer to speak fully due to the instrument's extended bore length, often resulting in delayed attacks during quick passages.^[8] Intonation is highly sensitive to reed strength, bocal shape, and environmental factors such as temperature, with the instrument tending to sound sharper in cooler conditions; precise adjustments are essential for stability.^[27] The dynamic range allows for powerful forte passages that add depth to orchestral textures, but soft piano dynamics demand careful control to prevent unwanted buzzing or instability.^[1] Key acoustic influences include the bore's conicity, which features a gradual widening toward the bell for improved projection and harmonic balance, and the strategic placement of key vents that adjust overtones to promote evenness across registers.^[25]^[27] These elements interact with the reed's oscillation to shape the overall sonic output, emphasizing the contrabassoon's role as a stabilizing bass voice.^[1]

History

Precursors and Early Development

The precursors to the contrabassoon emerged in the late 16th century with the development of low-pitched variants of the dulcian, a single-piece double-reed woodwind instrument featuring a folded conical bore that extended the range of bassoon-like tones downward to the 16-foot pitch. Instruments such as the bass pommer, reaching lengths of up to 3 meters with a rich, powerful tone, and the fagottone, which employed a doubled bore for improved playability, served as early attempts to provide deeper bass support in ensembles. These one-piece designs, often constructed from maple or other hardwoods, inherited the basic conical bore principle from earlier shawm-family instruments, allowing for a darker, more resonant sound at sub-bass levels.^[28]^[29]^[30] In the 17th and early 18th centuries, experiments in Italy and France sought to refine these low extensions into more practical forms, with the Hotteterre family of woodwind makers in Paris credited around 1640 with early multi-jointed designs that separated the bassoon's body into sections for better tuning and handling, though attempts at true contrabass models using straight 18-foot tubes proved cumbersome and unstable due to unreliable low-register reeds and excessive length. These prototypes, often exceeding 5 meters when unfolded, were limited by difficulties in intonation and reed vibration at extreme pitches, restricting their adoption beyond experimental use in small court or chamber settings.^[6]^[29] Advancements in the mid-18th century included English innovations by Thomas Stanesby junior, who by the 1730s produced folded contrabassoon designs that reduced overall length while maintaining the low range, as advertised in his 1739 catalog of two such instruments for orchestral reinforcement. In Germany, makers developed four-part contrabass models during the 1740s, tailored for court ensembles to double bass lines with greater projection. Initial applications were confined to opera pits, such as in George Frideric Handel's works like Music for the Royal Fireworks (1749) and L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato (1740), where the contrabassoon functioned primarily as a bass doubler for the standard bassoon; however, persistent issues with pitch stability, insufficient volume in large halls, and mechanical unreliability contributed to its scarcity before 1800.^[31]^[32]^[33] A pivotal development occurred in the 1790s when Viennese maker Theodor Lotz introduced a viable five-jointed contrabassoon model, featuring improved keywork and a more compact U-shaped configuration that enhanced playability and tonal consistency, paving the way for wider adoption.^[34]

Modern Era

The contrabassoon underwent significant standardization in the 19th century, particularly through the efforts of the Heckel family in Biebrich, Germany, who patented a redesigned model in 1877 that introduced the modern folded configuration and enhanced key mechanisms for better playability and intonation.^[1] This innovation built on earlier prototypes by improving the instrument's mechanical reliability and tonal consistency, making it more suitable for professional ensembles. Richard Wagner's inclusion of the contrabassoon in select passages of his Der Ring des Nibelungen, which premiered in 1876, further elevated its status, as the score required a contrabassoon alongside three standard bassoons to provide profound bass reinforcement in dramatic moments.^[35] In the early 20th century, the contrabassoon gained prominence in Romantic orchestral works, notably through its adoption by composers such as Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss, whose symphonies exploited its low register for atmospheric depth and structural support.^[36] Mahler's symphonies, for instance, frequently called for the instrument's extension to low A, enhancing the expansive sonic palette of his large-scale compositions.^[15] This period marked a shift toward greater integration in symphony orchestras across Europe, where the contrabassoon's rumbling timbre complemented the evolving demands of late-Romantic orchestration. Following World War II, advancements in manufacturing introduced synthetic linings to the contrabassoon's wooden body, particularly in the wing and boot joints, to increase resistance to cracking and improve durability under varying climatic conditions.^[37] These material improvements, pioneered by firms like Heckel, addressed practical challenges for performers in diverse environments. The instrument found a niche in Hollywood film scores during the mid-20th century, where its deep, ominous tones were used for underscoring epic narratives and tension in orchestral arrangements. From the late 20th century into the 21st, digital sampling technologies have influenced contrabassoon performance and composition, with libraries like the Vienna Symphonic Library's Contrabassoon collection—released in the 2000s—providing high-fidelity samples that replicate its articulations for virtual orchestration in media and contemporary music. Ergonomic enhancements, such as adjustable floor stands and roller-equipped keys, have also emerged to facilitate handling of the instrument's cumbersome size during extended rehearsals. The contrabassoon's high production costs—often exceeding $20,000 per unit—continue to limit its widespread adoption beyond major orchestras.^[38] The instrument's global dissemination has accelerated in recent decades, transitioning from its European orchestral strongholds to burgeoning ensembles in Asia. Despite these developments, economic barriers and the need for specialized training persist as challenges to broader prevalence.

Use and Repertoire

Orchestral Role

In a standard full symphony orchestra, the woodwind section features three bassoons, with the third bassoonist doubling on contrabassoon to provide essential low-end support.^[39] The contrabassoon typically doubles the bass lines an octave below the second bassoon, establishing a harmonic foundation during tuttis and reinforcing the overall orchestral texture.^[2] Typical orchestral parts for the contrabassoon emphasize sustained pedals in its low register, often underscoring dramatic tension, as in Hector Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique (1830), where it bolsters climaxes alongside the ophicleide and low strings.^[40] While exposed solos remain uncommon, the instrument assumes prominent roles in climactic passages, contributing its rumbling timbre to heighten intensity.^[41] The contrabassoon integrates into the ensemble by adding depth to the woodwind section, its profound buzz complementing other low instruments for balanced sonority.^[2] Blending with brass demands careful dynamic restraint to avoid overpowering the texture, while tuning challenges arise in large halls due to the instrument's extended low range.^[41] In contemporary applications, the contrabassoon enhances film and TV scores, such as Howard Shore's The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003), where it evokes epic, ominous atmospheres in sequences like the mines of Moria.^[41] It also appears in chamber settings, including wind quintets extended with contrabassoon for bass reinforcement, and in educational ensembles to support pedagogical exploration of low woodwinds.^[42] Performance demands include frequent doubling on bassoon by the same player, which requires versatility in technique and reed management.^[39]

Solo Literature and Performers

The contrabassoon's solo literature, though limited compared to its orchestral use, includes notable classical excerpts that highlight its dramatic and lyrical capabilities. In Mikhail Glinka's opera A Life for the Tsar (1836), a prominent contrabassoon solo in the introduction serves as a dramatic aria adaptation, showcasing the instrument's deep, resonant timbre in a theatrical context.^[43] Similarly, Sergei Prokofiev's Symphony No. 5 (1944) features a lyrical middle-register solo for contrabassoon at the end of the first movement, emphasizing expressive phrasing amid the work's emotional depth.^[44] These excerpts have become staples for demonstrating the instrument's soloistic potential beyond ensemble roles. Modern unaccompanied works have expanded the contrabassoon's solo profile, with Daniel Dorff's In a Deep Funk (1997) standing out as a dance set comprising four movements—"Hustle Misterioso," "Twist Variations," "Bear Hug," and "Funk"—that explore rhythmic vitality and idiomatic techniques on the unaccompanied instrument.^[45] This piece, commissioned for a contrabassoon competition, has become a rite of passage in the repertoire, blending jazz influences with classical structure.^[46] Concertante repertoire remains rare but includes dedicated concertos and adaptations that elevate the contrabassoon to a virtuoso role. Earlier examples include Gunther Schuller's Contrabassoon Concerto (1978). Kalevi Aho's Concerto for Contrabassoon and Orchestra (2006) challenges the soloist with its innovative orchestration and technical demands, including notes up to high C; it premiered on February 23, 2006, with Lewis Lipnick and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra under Andrew Litton in Bergen, Norway, reflecting early 21st-century experimentalism.^[47] Transcriptions, such as Daniel Baldwin's adaptations of J.S. Bach's Cello Suites for unaccompanied contrabassoon, adapt the Baroque master's intricate polyphony to the instrument's low register, as seen in performances of Suite No. 1.^[48] Contemporary additions like Michael Burns' Blues for Contra further diversify the genre, incorporating blues idioms into a solo framework for contrabassoon and small ensemble.^[48] Prominent performers have significantly advanced the contrabassoon's solo recognition through recordings and live interpretations. William Waterhouse, a pioneering English bassoonist active from the 1960s to the 1980s, contributed to early contrabassoon recordings with ensembles like the London Symphony Orchestra, where he often doubled on the instrument and advocated for its solo applications in chamber settings.^[49] In more recent years, Sophie Dervaux, principal bassoonist of the Vienna Philharmonic and former principal contrabassoonist with the Berlin Philharmonic, performed Erwin Schulhoff's The Bass Nightingale (1922) for solo contrabassoon at the Püchner 125 Jubilee in 2023, highlighting extended techniques on the new model 125 instrument.^[50] Melvin Berman, a specialist in Mahler repertoire, has interpreted contrabassoon solos in Mahler's symphonies, such as the evocative lines in Symphony No. 1, through his work with North American orchestras.^[51] Mikhail Krotov, bassoonist with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, gained viral attention for his 2021 recording of the Glinka solo from A Life for the Tsar, demonstrating precise articulation and tonal warmth on contrabassoon.^[52] The growth of dedicated festivals and sessions has fostered greater interest in contrabassoon solo performance. The International Double Reed Society (IDRS) hosts annual contrabassoon sessions at its conferences, including masterclasses, jam sessions, and reading sessions that promote new solo works, as seen in the 2025 event at Butler University featuring the all-contrabassoon ensemble Contraband.^[53] Recordings, such as demonstrations of the Püchner 125 model in 2023, have made solo techniques more accessible via platforms like YouTube, aiding performers worldwide.^[54] However, commissioning new solo literature faces challenges due to the instrument's rarity, with a small number of professional contrabassoonists worldwide—estimated in the hundreds as of 2025—primarily doubling bassoonists in major orchestras. Educational resources emphasize solo etudes to build technique, particularly incorporating 21st-century extended techniques like multiphonics, which produce simultaneous tones through careful embouchure and air control. Works such as those in Leviathan Contrabassoon's repertoire list, including Gian-Paolo Chiti's Teorite, integrate multiphonics and other effects to expand pedagogical approaches for aspiring soloists.^[48] These etudes not only address intonation and endurance but also prepare players for contemporary compositions that exploit the contrabassoon's unique sonic palette.^[55]

Manufacturers

Current Producers

Wilhelm Heckel GmbH, based in Biebrich, Germany, remains the preeminent producer of contrabassoons, renowned for its premium models crafted from traditional maple wood since 1877. These instruments feature a noble, sonorous tone and options for custom low A extensions to enhance the instrument's range, positioning Heckel as the gold standard in professional orchestral settings.^[56] Fox Products Corporation, an American manufacturer in South Whitley, Indiana, offers the Model 900 contrabassoon, constructed from aged maple for stable intonation and comfortable playability with a full German system keywork. This model, introduced in the 1970s and continually refined, emphasizes durability and reliability for professional use, often priced in the $40,000 range.^[57]^[58] In Europe, J. Püchner Spezial-Holzblasinstrumentebau GmbH in Leipzig, Germany, produces the Model 125 contrabassoon, launched in 2023 to mark the company's 125th anniversary, featuring a lightweight design with curly mountain maple seasoned over 20 years and an innovative key layout where all left thumb keys operate in the same direction for improved high-register access and playing comfort.^[59] Amati Kraslice, a Czech producer, manufactures the affordable professional Model ABN 36 contrabassoon, which extends to low sub-contra BBb with 25 keys including high D and E options, double Ab, Eb, and F# keys, and is often paired with Heckel or Leitzinger bocals for enhanced performance in emerging markets.^[60] W. Schreiber GmbH, based in Germany, produces professional contrabassoons such as the S41 model, featuring selected alpine maple, silver-plated nickel silver keys extending to low Bb, even response, and ergonomic keywork that facilitates transition from bassoon playing. These instruments enrich bassoon sections in orchestras with reliable intonation and projection.^[61] Emerging brands include Kronwalt, a collaboration between Walter Fagott and Guntram Wolf, offering compact travel models with flageolet key enhancements that extend the range and provide a clear tone through a redesigned bore and keywork inspired by the contraforte.^[62] Guntram Wolf Holzblasinstrumente GmbH in Kronach, Germany, focuses on ergonomic, portable redesigns in the 2020s, such as the contraforte variant, which incorporates modern acoustic principles for improved resonance and a smaller form factor while maintaining traditional contrabassoon functionality.^[63] Global contrabassoon production is limited due to the instrument's niche demand, with growing interest in South Korea driving market expansion from USD 0.01 billion in 2022 to a projected USD 0.02 billion by 2030. Manufacturers increasingly prioritize sustainable practices, such as using seasoned, responsibly sourced maple and exploring digital prototyping for precision in key mechanisms and bore designs.^[64]

Historical Makers

The development of the contrabassoon in the 18th century was pioneered by English instrument makers, notably Thomas Stanesby Jr., who constructed a four-key model in 1739 that represented one of the earliest surviving examples of the instrument.^[65] This prototype, designed with a folded tube to manage its length, was likely influenced by demands for deeper bass tones in orchestral settings, including performances of Handel operas. In Germany, makers like Andreas Eichentopf contributed to early designs around 1711, producing folded contrabassoons with basic key mechanisms that addressed initial challenges in pitch stability and playability.^[66] By the late 18th century, Viennese instrument maker Theodor Lotz advanced the contrabassoon's construction with a "grand fagotto" in the early 1780s, featuring an improved bore taper that enhanced tonal stability and intonation across its wide range.^[34] Mid-19th-century innovations focused on ergonomic improvements, such as those by Carl Wilhelm Moritz in Dresden during the 1840s, who experimented with U-bends and a keyboard mechanism in his "claviatur-contrafagott" to facilitate fingering in the low register.^[65] Precursors to the modern standardized model emerged from workshops like that of Johann Adam Heckel in Biebrich, Germany, where pre-1877 trials incorporated multiple folds and refined key systems to reduce the instrument's overall size while preserving acoustic integrity.^[67] The transition to more reliable designs in the 1860s involved Parisian makers such as the Triebert family, whose experiments with advanced keywork influenced the contrabassoon's integration into larger ensembles, as seen in surviving examples from collections like Grinnell College's 18th- and 19th-century holdings.^[68]^[3] These historical makers collectively tackled early issues like tube rigidity and susceptibility to material decay, laying the groundwork for the contrabassoon's adoption in Wagner's operas and beyond; today, few original instruments remain playable due to wood deterioration and key corrosion.^[67]

References

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Contrabassoon - Wilhelm Heckel GmbH
Jan 3, 2019 · The contrabassoon sounds one octave lower than the bassoon and has a dark, rich-sound and sustained tone. The tones increase in clearness and hardness.
[2]
Contrabassoon - Philharmonia Orchestra
Contrabassoon range. Frequency Range. 29-220 Hz. Tube Length. 550 cm. Did you know? Contrabassoon-type instruments have been known since the 17th century ...Missing: specifications | Show results with:specifications
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contrabassoon · Grinnell College Musical Instrument Collection
The modern contrabassoon as pictured here coalesced between 1879 and 1900 in the workshop of the Heckel family in Biebrich, Germany. However, low-register ...Missing: manufacturers | Show results with:manufacturers
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The Contrabassoon - Woodwind Instruments - SoundBridge
Dec 27, 2023 · The contrabassoon, the double bassoon, originated predominantly in England during the mid-18th century. It is the oldest surviving instrument, ...
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The Classical Bassoon Information Page on Classic Cat
The bore of the bassoon is ... Folded upon itself, the bassoon stands 1.34 m (4.4 feet) tall, but the total sounding length is 2.54 m (roughly 8.3 feet).
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The contrabassoon has a range of B0-C4. ... Lower register: ... Middle register: ... Upper register: ... On some models the usual C bell can be replaced by a longer, ...Missing: specifications | Show results with:specifications
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[PDF] 2026 Contrabassoon Model Features - Fox Products
2026 Contrabassoon Model Features. 900. 920. Body. Material. Maple. Hand-Selected and Aged. Mountain Maple. Color. Standard Varnish Mahogany. Pro Varnish ...
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Bassoon family
The Contrabassoon is the biggest instrument of the Woodwind family. The only ... It is written from B-flat1 to C4, but it sounds from B-flat0 to C3 ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[10]
Ranges of Orchestral Instruments
Treble clef in Bb transposition is preferred modern notation. Professional models can play down to concert B-flat below the bass staff (written C3). There are ...
[11]
Bassoon Low Notes - The Instrumentalist
Difficulty with low bassoon notes can stem from uncovered tone holes, a leaky boot joint, a closed reed, or a tight embouchure.
[12]
RIBO Low “A” Extension for Contrabassoon - Nielsen Woodwinds
In stock $9.95 deliveryThe NEW RIBO Low “A” Extension for Contrabassoon is designed to fit most contrabassoon bells. More details coming soon! In stock. RIBO Low "A" ...
[13]
The Low A Extension for Fox Contrabassoon - Jonathan Westerling
Sep 11, 2022 · Elegant, stylish, and sound enhancing – presenting a removable low A extension for contra made from recycled materials.
[14]
Orchestra contrabassoon low A examples needed - Facebook
Jan 3, 2025 · Im looking for examples of Contrabassoon low A in orchestra rep. So far I know of Salome, Elektra, Siegfried, and Wozzeck (Ab) does anyone know of others?Where to purchase or order a b-flat bell with extension for an old ...Resources for making or buying contrabassoon ab extension?More results from www.facebook.com
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Feb 22, 2010 · Contrabassoon · Is in the key of C · Notes sound an octave lower than written · Is the lowest sounding instrument in the orchestra · Lower than ...
[16]
range - Bassoons - Andrew Hugill
The contrabassoon's practical range is from the low Bb0 to around Db4 (and usually has a low A extension). Note that the contra sounds an octave lower than ...Missing: specifications | Show results with:specifications
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Contrabassoon is a lot different! : r/bassoon - Reddit
Aug 17, 2022 · The fingerings are very similar to to bassoon except you use the octave key to go up, instead of the whisper key to stay down. And yeah the ...What's something that I shouldn't do when composing for bassoon?Can someone help me wrap my head around the left thumb keys of ...More results from www.reddit.comMissing: breaks | Show results with:breaks
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Tips for playing the D above the staff on contra - Facebook
Feb 17, 2025 · The base fingering I use is (1-2, ) with the lowest vent key. On a Fox or Heckel contra it would probably be the top vent key, but I'm not as ...Orchestra contrabassoon low A examples needed - FacebookContrabassoon extended techniques database ideas neededMore results from www.facebook.com
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Bassoon - Young Composers Wiki
May 21, 2009 · Most fingerings between the bassoon and contrabassoon are shared, but several about the register break and upper range can be different. The ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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[PDF] Contrabassoon Fingering Chart (2.4) – 2/49 - Richard Bobo
These include the contraforte's twelfth key, fifteenth key, alternate Cß key, and twentieth-plus key. The system also includes a side Eƒ key as standard. 1 ...Missing: structure | Show results with:structure
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The article explores the educational benefits of learning the contrabassoon as a pedagogical tool for bassoon students.
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Contrabassoon Reed Tuning Method - Arundo Research Company
The vibrating length or VL (tip to first wire) for the Arundo contrabassoon reeds ranges from 36-38mm. Vibrating length for 150mm cane ranges from about the ...Missing: air characteristics
[24]
contrabassoon reed: Rieger K2 (323), regular - KREEDO
In stockreed width: 20.5 mm; collar width: 10.7 mm; reed length: 72 mm; blade length: 35 mm; shaft length: 37 mm; shape: convex; wrapping colour: purple; Brand: KREEDO ...
[25]
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Sound is produced by an oscillating motion or air flow (like AC electricity). The reed acts like an oscillating valve. The reed, in cooperation with the ...
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[27]
None
### Summary of Contrabassoon Features from the Document
[28]
Traditional Music in the Time of Vermeer: The Dulcian
Since then, the Phagotum was traditionally considered to have been the earliest ancestor of the dulcian and the later bassoon on the strength of its name, ...Missing: fagottone | Show results with:fagottone
[29]
The origins of the Bassoon:The Birth of the Bassoon
The musical instruments that could be described as ancestors of the bassoon were developed in the 16th century, and include the shawm, the rankett, and the ...Missing: precursors bass pommer
[30]
The Giants of the Dulcian Family: An Exploration of the <em>Doppel ...
... contrabass dulcian, were members of the bass group when they became available, mostly for large-scale vocal pieces.1 However, we find the great-bass dulcian ...
[31]
Dictionary - The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Historical Performance ...
... Thomas Stanesby junior announced in 1739 that he was manufacturing two contrabassoons. Austria gradually became the centre of classical contrabassoon making.Missing: Ehe | Show results with:Ehe
[32]
Handel's L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato - Boston Baroque
The other unusual instrument in L'Allegro is a contrabassoon which Handel specifies for a mere eight bars of the chorus, "There let the pealing organ blow." ...
[33]
Handel-Music for the Royal Fireworks - Utah Symphony
Sep 8, 2016 · Instrumentation: 3 oboes, 2 bassoons, contrabassoon; 3 horns, 3 trumpets; timpani, harpsichord; strings. Performance time: 26 minutes.
[34]
About the Classical Contrabasoon - Boxwood & Brass
However it was Theodor Lotz, the instrument maker who “perfected” the classical forms of the basset horn and clarinet, who was responsible for developing a ...Missing: 1790s | Show results with:1790s
[35]
Savary père Bassoons - David Rachor
Jean Baptiste Savary père (1750-1828) was a Parisian woodwind maker. Eight of his original bassoons are in the Hichwa-Rachor database.Missing: 1800 | Show results with:1800
[36]
[PDF] WAGNER/STRAUSS ORCHESTRAL COMPARISON Der Ring des ...
Der Ring des Nibelungen. Elektra. Woodwind. 1 Piccolo. 1 Piccolo. 3 Flutes (3rd ... (some passages requiring Contrabassoon). 1 Contrabassoon. Brass. 8 Horns. 8 ...
[37]
Low A on Bassoon - Arundo Research Company
Feb 8, 2016 · If the low A is preceded by a low B, the tone on B is stuffy, but usually works okay. The extension does cause a change in the resistance of the ...
[38]
HECKEL BOOK TIMELINE - Eryn Oft
Jul 30, 2017 · 1847: Construction of “Contra-bassophone” or Contrabassoon. 1852: Sale of bassoon to Louis Weissenborn, father of Julius Weissenborn. 1856-67 ...
[39]
Hateful Eight score and other films featuring bassoon - Reddit
Jan 12, 2016 · I've listened to the new Star Wars soundtrack multiple times and there are quite a few places where the bassoon makes its presence known, in ...What do you all think of John Williams' Score for Star Wars? - RedditWhat Is Your Favourite Star Wars Song Not Composed By John ...More results from www.reddit.com
[40]
Contrabassoon Market Transformation 2025: Innovations in Mobility
Jun 20, 2025 · The report analyzes the global Contrabassoon Market, focusing on sales trends, pricing, market share, and the competitive rankings of top ...
[41]
South Korea Contrabassoon Market By Application - LinkedIn
South Korea Contrabassoon Market was valued at USD 0.03 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 0.04 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5% from ...
[42]
Instruments of the Orchestra - Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra
The tuba is the largest and lowest pitched instrument in the brass family at 16 feet of tubing (like the Contrabassoon). There is usually only one tuba player ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[43]
[PDF] Section/Contrabassoon - Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
Symphonie Fantastique: Mvt. IV: 2 before [52] to downbeat of [53];. Mvt. V: 8 ... (Both parts combined). Contrabassoon. BEETHOVEN. Symphony No. 5: Mvt. IV ...
[44]
The contrabassoon: the orchestra's deepest voice | Classical Music
Apr 22, 2025 · The contrabassoon's lowest note is B♭0, which vibrates at about 29 Hz. That's the same note as the lowest string on a 5-string bass guitar, and ...
[45]
https://danieldorff.com/pn-deepfunk.htm
[46]
MUSIC FOR BASSOON and CONTRABASSOON by Daniel Dorff
Mar 11, 2024 · Cape May Breezes for Wind Quintet. Duration: c. 18' 1. Breezing Into Town (Exit 0) 2. Autumn Monarch Migration 3. Victorian Garden Party
[47]
Mikhail Glinka - Contrabassoon solo from "A Life for the Tsar" (1836 ...
Contrabassoon: Mikhail Glinka - Contrabassoon solo from "A Life for the Tsar" (1836). Contrabassoon. Jul 17. Written By Timbre and Orchestration Resource.
[48]
Contrabassoon Excerpts - The Orchestral Bassoon
The Orchestral Bassoon · Beethoven · Brahms · Mahler · Ravel · Schönberg · Shostakovich · Strauss.
[49]
Program Notes - In A Deep Funk by Daniel Dorff
Feb 20, 2020 · In A Deep Funk Dance Set for Unaccompanied Contrabassoon · 1. HUSTLE MISTERIOSO uses a hustle rhythm, and the notes are reminsicent of the " ...
[50]
In A Deep Funk - Carl Fischer
Already a long-standing rite of passage in the contrabassoon repertoire, Dorff has revisited and adapted In A Deep Funk for solo bass clarinet, ...
[51]
Concerto for Contrabassoon and Orchestra - Music Finland Core
The idea of a concerto for the contrabassoon was quite controversial back in 1979, as it was the first work of its kind ever to be composed. Since then, as the ...
[52]
Solo Repertoire - Leviathan Contrabassoon
Unaccompanied Contrabassoon, JS Bach Cello Suites, Daniel Baldwin Kui, Michael Burns Blues for Contra, Gian-Paolo Chiti Teorite, Daniel Dorff In a Deep Funk.
[53]
William Waterhouse | Music | The Guardian
Nov 9, 2007 · William Waterhouse, who has died aged 76, is most widely remembered as an outstanding principal bassoonist with London orchestras and a chamber musician.
[54]
Sophie Dervaux plays Contrabassoon solo at “Püchner 125” - Puchner
Sep 9, 2023 · Sophie Dervaux performing Schulhoff on the new Püchner Contrabassoon model 125 at Püchner's Jubilee celebration. Thank you, Sophie! J. Püchner Spezial ...
[55]
[PDF] 60th-Reflections.pdf - Marlboro Music Festival
There were between fifty and a hundred rehearsals for the performances of Mahler symphonies for four hands.” ... Melvin Berman. Jeannette Bittar. Neil Black. Lon ...
[56]
Concerts - St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra - Orchestras - St ...
01 June, Saturday 8:00 pm. Grand Hall An evening of symphonic miniatures. To the 220th anniversary of the birth of Mikhail Glinka ... Mikhail Krotov - bassoon
[57]
Events - International Double Reed Society
International Contrabassoon Festival · Event Description: Masterclasses, repair class, vendors, jam sessions, final concert for public · Read More >.
[58]
Sophie Dervaux plays Contrabassoon solo at “Püchner 125“
Sep 7, 2023 · Sophie Dervaux performing Schulhoff on the new Püchner Contrabassoon model 125 at Püchner's Jubilee celebration. Thank you, Sophie!
[59]
Contrabassoon - Wikipedia
The contrabassoon, also known as the double bassoon, is a larger version of the bassoon, sounding an octave lower. Its technique is similar to its smaller ...
[60]
I've Got the Multiphonic Blues - Contrabassoon - YouTube
Feb 20, 2023 · If you're interested in exploring the dark arts of contrabassoon multiphonics yourself, check out my free book, The ℭontranomicon!Missing: solo extended techniques<|control11|><|separator|>
[61]
Heckel Bassoon
The Heckel contrabassoon is distinguished by a noble, sonorous tone that sounds one octave lower than the bassoon. Thanks to its three-joint design, it can be ...
[62]
Fox Model 900
The Fox Model 900 is a dependable contrabassoon with comfortable playing, stable intonation, silver-plated keys, and a full German system keywork.
[63]
Model 125 | J.Püchner Spezial-Holzblasinstrumentebau GmbH
Key spatulas operated from the same direction for optimized playing comfort, presented 2023. Curly mountain maple wood seasoned for over 20 years.
[64]
AMATI ABN 36 CONSERVATOIRE - contrabassoons
The AMATI ABN 36 CONSERVATOIRE is a premium contrabassoon designed for professional musicians and advanced students.
[65]
Kronwalt Contrabassoon - Midwest Musical Imports
Out of stockThe Kronwalt contrabassoon has new key innovations, flageolet keys, a compact design for travel, and a clear tone with increased range.
[66]
Kronwalt | Compact Contrabassoon - Howarth of London
14-day returnsExciting new contra bassoon collaboration between Guntram Wolf and Walter Bassoons. Wonderful new addition to the professional contra bassoon range.Missing: flageolet | Show results with:flageolet
[67]
https://heckel.de/en/instruments/contrabassoon/
[68]
Contrabassoon - Vienna Symphonic Library
Like the oboes and the bassoon the contrabassoon is a double-reed instrument, because the mouthpiece has two reeds that lie very close together. Academy: ...Missing: pressure weight stand layout
[69]
Contrabassoons in the 17th and Early 18th Century - jstor
that the oldest existing contrabassoons were those of Joannes Maria. Anciuti (Milan, 1732)1 and Thomas Stanesby (London, 1739),2 although. Paul Rubardt, in an ...
[70]
Bassoon by Savary jeune, 1842 - LEMIS
Jean-Nicolas Savary jeune (the younger) built bassoons in Paris from 1823 until 1850. His instruments had a reputation unsurpassed by any other woodwind ...Missing: 1800 | Show results with:1800
[71]
The Woodwind Manufacture of Guillaume and Frédéric Triebert
Jan 19, 2017 · Guillaume Triebert (1770-1848) and his son Frédéric (1813–1878) were the dominant oboe and bassoon makers of nineteenth-century France.Missing: 1860s | Show results with:1860s