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The bassoon is the instrument least understood by instrumentalmusic teachers and is often neglected in university woodwindmethods courses. It is understandable that school music teachers would be reluctant to teach an instrument that is thought to be confusing and complicated. Schools are expected to have bassoons but some school systems do not own any due to their expense. In addition to the high initial cost, the poor quality of older student instruments, and the general scarcity of adequate repair service, some ensemble directors have reasoned that bassoon parts can be covered by other more easily heard instruments. All of these points contribute to the general low interest in the bassoon in some school-music programs.
The previous paragraph seems to imply that an instrumental ensemble could just as well do without bassoons. Why bother at all? Here are some arguments in favour of trying:
* The bassoon attracts independent, self-motivated students who enjoy being "one-of-a-kind."
* It has an exotic tone and is scored in all but a few styles of music.
* Avast repertoire of band, orchestra, and chamber music exists that includes the bassoon.
* Full ensemble instrumentation requires the double reeds.
* Bassoons augment the small complement of low reeds and add variety to the colour and textures in the ensemble.
* A bassoon, once purchased, can last many decades with reasonable care and maintenance.
Musical Examples 1 and 2: Bassoon Ranges.
Ranges
The bassoon's range is very wide: three-and-a-half octaves in the hands of a skilled player. Music for advanced school ensembles normally makes use of three octaves from the B-flat below the bass staff to the B-flat on the middle line of the treble staff. The range for beginner and intermediate ensembles is usually restricted to the E-flat just below the bass staff to the second-line G of the treble staff. (See Musical Examples 1 and 2, above.) While solos can be found in all registers, the most effective solo range is just above the bass staff.
The Bassoon's Function and Musical Roles
With the exception of certain ethnic and jazz groups, the bassoon is required in almost every kind of ensemble: symphony, ballet, heatre and opera orchestras, concert bands, wind ensembles, military bands, and chamber-music groups of all sizes....