bassoon
A large double-reed woodwind instrument with a deep, rich tone.
In Depth
The bassoon is the tenor and bass voice of the woodwind section, with a range spanning over three octaves. Its doubled-back wooden tube is about 2.5 metres long when unfolded. The instrument uses a double reed made from cane, which the player shapes and trims to their preference.
Known for its warm, reedy tone, the bassoon can be both deeply expressive and surprisingly humorous. Composers from Mozart to Stravinsky have exploited its character — the opening solo of The Rite of Spring, played at the extreme top of the bassoon's range, is one of the most famous passages in orchestral music.
The opening of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring is played on the bassoon at the very top of its range — so high that many listeners assume it is a different instrument entirely.