Bassoon

The bassoon is the deep jolly one! It has a woody sound and a range of moods from comical low notes to a beautiful upper register that sounds more like a flute. It is a little complicated and also rather expensive, but it is also particularly rewarding as you are frequently a soloist in the orchestra and there are plenty of wonderful chamber works to perform. This is an excellent instrument to try if you are a late starter. A wide hand stretch is an advantage. Starting age 10/11 but excellent for a late starter.

Cost

• New Approx £2800
• 2nd hand From £1500

Hire

Available in limited numbers from Kent Music and schools. This is one of the few instruments that is often provided on long term loan by Kent Music and schools.

Running costs

Reeds at £6.50 each needed every few weeks.

Suitability

A large instrument requiring a good hand spread. Players with small hands will not be able to cover the holes.

Where to play

Excellent repertoire available from early to modern. The cost of the instrument means that there are few players and they are always in demand. This is an excellent instrument to transfer to if you are achieving success on another and wish to have a more important role. As a clarinettist you may be one of twenty in a band with no chance of a solo. As a bassoonist you are instantly important!

Find out more about instrument care and maintenance

Famous Pieces

• Mozart - Concerto for Bassoon Hummel - Concerto for Bassoon
• Weber - Concerto for Bassoon

Famous Orchestral Solos

• Peter & the Wolf (Prokofiev) - the bassoon plays "Grandfather"
• Rite of Spring (Stravinsky) - this landmark composition begins with a very high bassoon solo
• Concerto for Orchestra (Bartok) - bassoon duet starts the 2nd movement
• Uranus from The Planets (Holst) - featuring 3 bassoons in harmony