The Bassoon is the bass of the Oboe family, as well as of the entire woodwind section. It also doubles the bass parts of the string section, sometimes in unison and sometimes in octave.
The length of its tube is approximately 2.5 meters; it is doubled back on itself, thus becoming 137 cm. long. The Bassoon is comprises 5 different parts: the bell joint; the bass (or long) joint, which takes the form of an ascending pipe; the Butt (or double-joint), which forms a U; the wing (or tenor) joint which forms the descending section of the pipe; and the narrow curved metal tube to which the reeds are attached, and which is called crook or bocal. The gracefully curved mouthpiece is placed on the upper end of the short tube. The wing and the butt are usually lined with rubber to avoid moisture.
The Bassoon is a double reed instrument, its reeds larger than those of the English Horn. It has often been called the "clown of the orchestra" because of the comical effects it can create. In fact, one of the most important comic roles in the "Commedia del Arte" is called Signor Fagotto, based on the instrument's fame. But, the Bassoon can produce solemn and very gentle melodies as well.
The bore of the Bassoon's tube is conical, from approximately 3 mm. at the small end of the crook, to nearly 4 cm. at the bell. The player can alter the pitch of the instrument (according to what his taste and the music he has to play dictate) by changing the position of the reed. Due to its very wide range, the Bassoon has many keys: from 17 to 22, according to the different instruments.
The Bassoon is not a transposing instrument, thus it sounds as it is written. As it is quite heavy, a ring has been placed at the top of the butt, to which a neck-cord is attached, thus freeing the player's hands.
The Bassoon is characterized by its somewhat dry and hollow tone, but it is capable of producing a rich variety of expressions. Its middle register can produce smooth and delicate tones, while its higher register produces tense and penetrating tones. Its lowest tones are sonorous and vibrant, and enveloped by some roughness.
One of the most important qualities of the Bassoon is its ability to blend with other instruments, especially with the other woodwinds and with the horns. But, the Bassoon is equally valuable as a soloist. It has a wide dynamic range, and is particularly effective in playing staccato and legato passages. Sometimes, it is muted by placing a handkerchief in its bell.
One of the most well-known passages for the Bassoon was written by the French composer Paul Dukas, in his "Sorcerer's Apprentice".
