Editing Contrabassoon

{{Short description|Musical instrument}}
{{Redirect|Double bassoon|the stringed instrument|double bass}}
{{Infobox Instrument
|name=Contrabassoon
|names= {{plainlist|
*double bassoon
*Kontrafagott (DE)
*contrafagot (SP)
*controfagotto (IT)
*contrebasson (FR)}}
|image=Contrabassoon2.jpg
|background=woodwind
|hornbostel_sachs=422.112–71
|hornbostel_sachs_desc=[[Double reed|Double-reeded]] [[aerophone]] with [[key (instrument)|keys]]
|developed=Mid 18th century
|range=[[File:ContrabassoonWrittenRange1.svg|170px|center|class=notpageimage]]
{{center|Written pitch, sounds one [[octave]] lower}}
[[File:ContrabassoonSoundingRange1.svg|170px|center|class=notpageimage]]
{{center|Sounding pitch}}
|related={{plainlist|
*[[Bassoon]]
*[[Contraforte]]
*[[Tenoroon]]
*[[Dulcian]]}}
}}
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 cousin, with a few notable differences.

== Differences from the bassoon ==
The [[Reed (mouthpiece)|reed]] is considerably larger than the bassoon's, at {{convert|65|–|75|mm|abbr=on}} in total length (and {{convert|20|mm|1|abbr=on}} in width) compared with {{convert|53|–|58|mm|abbr=on}} for most bassoon reeds. The large blades allow ample vibration that produces the low register of the instrument. The contrabassoon reed is similar to an average bassoon's in that scraping the reed affects both the [[Intonation (music)|intonation]] and response of the instrument.
<ref>'''INCONIS, The Contrabassoon:''' ''Contrabassoon Reeds page 204 / Reed Manual page 207''</ref>

Contrabassoons feature a slightly simplified version of bassoon keywork, though all open toneholes on bassoon have necessarily been replaced with keys and pads due to the physical distances. In the lower [[Register (music)|register]], its [[Fingering (music)|fingerings]] are nearly identical to bassoon. However, the octave mechanism used to play in the middle register works differently than on bassoon, and the upper register fingerings are often completely unrelated.

The instrument is twice as long as the bassoon, curves around on itself twice and, due to its weight and shape, is supported by an [[endpin]] rather than a seat strap. Additional support is sometimes provided by a strap around the player's neck. A wider hand position is also required, as the primary finger keys are widely spaced. The contrabassoon has a [[water key]] to expel condensation and a tuning slide for gross pitch adjustments. The instrument comes in a few pieces (plus [[bocal]]); some models cannot be disassembled without a screwdriver. Sometimes, the bell can be detached, and instruments with a low A [[Extension (music)|extension]] often come in two parts.

== Range, notation and tone ==

The contrabassoon is a very deep-sounding woodwind instrument that plays in the same [[sub-bass]] register as the [[tuba]], [[double bass]], or [[contrabass clarinet]]. It has a sounding range beginning at B{{music|b}}<sub>0</sub> (or A<sub>0</sub>, on some instruments) and extending up over three octaves to D<sub>4</sub>, though the highest [[perfect fourth|fourth]] is rarely scored for. [[Donald Erb]] and [[Kalevi Aho]] write even higher in their concertos for the instrument (to A{{music|b}}<sub>4</sub> and C<sub>5</sub>, respectively), but this is extraordinary and well beyond the expectations of the typical instrument or player. At the lower end, Richard Bobo of the Tulsa Symphony has designed a "subcontrabassoon", a full octave below the contrabassoon, and is intent on manufacturing the first working prototype.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Subcontrabassoon |last=Bobo |first=Richard |work=subcontrabassoon.com |date= |url= https://www.subcontrabassoon.com/ |access-date=18 February 2024 }}</ref> Steven Braunstein of the [[San Francisco Symphony]] has built custom extensions to reliably reach a low G<sub>0</sub> in performance.{{cn|date=January 2024}} 

Contrabassoon parts are notated an octave above sounding pitch, and most often use [[bass clef]]. Like bassoon, extended high-register passages may use [[tenor clef]], though this is rarely necessary due to the rarity of such passages. The use of [[treble clef]] is even less common, and is only necessary for the most ambitious solo repertoire.

Tonally, it sounds similar to the bassoon, but at all parts of its compass is distinctly different in tone from it. There is a "thinning" of the sound in extreme high register, as in all double reeds, but unlike oboe and bassoon which become more penetrative and "intense" in this register, the contrabassoon's sound becomes less audibly substantial and is easily drowned out. Conversely, contrabassoon also has a booming quality, similar to organ pedals, in its lowest register; enabling it to produce powerful contrabass tones when desired (aided by the flared bell, which the bassoon does not have). The contrabassoon can also produce a "buzz" or "rattle", particularly when loud and in its low register, which gives the sound an edged quality. This effect can be mitigated greatly by changes to the reed design, but it can be a desirable quality for some players, as it adds to the sinister or monstrous quality which some contrabassoon writing seeks to affect, and causes the contrabassoon sound to be more prominent in musical textures.

== History ==

=== Precursors ===
Precursors to the contrabassoon are documented as early as 1590 in Austria and Germany, at a time when the growing popularity of doubling the bass line led to the development of lower-pitched dulcians. Examples of these low-pitched dulcians include the octavebass, the quintfagott, and the quartfagott.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=The Bassoon|last=Kopp|first=James|publisher=Yale University Press|year=2012|isbn=978-0-300-11829-2|location=New Haven and London|pages=188–191}}</ref> There is evidence that a contrafagott was used in Frankfurt in 1626.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=The Bassoon and Contrabassoon|last=Langwill|first=Lyndesay|publisher=Ernest Benn Limited|year=1975|isbn=0 510-36501-9|location=Great Britain|pages=113}}</ref> Baroque precursors to the contrabassoon developed in France in the 1680s, and later in England in the 1690s, independent of the dulcian developments in Austria and Germany during the previous century.<ref name=":0" />

=== Baroque era – present ===
[[File:Contrabassoon in C 1825–33.png|thumb|Contrabassoon made in Vienna in the first half of the 19th century]]
The contrabassoon was developed, especially in [[England]], in the mid-18th century; the oldest surviving instrument, which came in four parts and has only three keys, was built in 1714.<ref name="auto">Raimondo Inconis ''Inconis, Il contrafagotto, Storia e Tecnica'' - ed. Ricordi (1984-2004) ER 3008 / [[ISMN]] 979-0-041-83008-7</ref> It was around that time that the contrabassoon began gaining acceptance in church music. Some notable early uses of the contrabassoon during this period include in J.S. Bach's ''St. John's Passion'' (1749 and 1739-1749 versions), and G.F. Handel's ''L'Allegro'' (1740) and ''Music for the Royal Fireworks'' (1749).<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /> Until the late 19th century, the instrument typically had a weak tone and poor intonation.  For this reason, the contrabass woodwind parts often were scored for, and contrabassoon parts were often played on a [[Serpent (musical instrument)|serpent]], [[contrabass sarrusophone]] or, less frequently, [[reed contrabass]], until improvements by [[Johann Adam Heckel|Heckel]] in the late 19th century secured the contrabassoon's place as the standard [[double reed]] contrabass.

For more than a century, between 1880 and 2000, Heckel’s design remained relatively unchanged. Chip Owen, at the American company Fox, began manufacturing an instrument in 1971 with some improvements. Generally, during the 20th century changes to the instrument were limited to an upper vent key near the bocal socket, a tuning slide, and a few key linkages to facilitate technical passages. In 2000, Heckel announced a completely new keywork for its instrument and Fox introduced its own new key system based on input from [[New York Philharmonic]] contrabassoonist Arlan Fast. Both companies' improvements allow for improved technical facility as well as greater range in the high register. [[Benedikt Eppelsheim]] developed the [[Contraforte]], a "redesigned contrabassoon", in collaboration with [[Guntram Wolf]] in the early 2000s.

== Current use ==
{{listen|filename=contra2.ogg|title=Cello suites (excerpt)|description=This segment of [[Johann Sebastian Bach|J.S. Bach]]'s [[Cello Suites (Bach)|cello suites]], played on a contrabassoon.|format=[[Ogg]]}}

Most major orchestras use one contrabassoonist, either as a primary player or a bassoonist who [[Woodwind doubler|doubles]], as do a large number of [[concert band|symphonic band]]s.

The contrabassoon is a supplementary orchestral instrument and is most frequently found in larger symphonic works, often [[Voicing (music)#Doubling|doubling]] the [[bass trombone]] or [[tuba]] at the octave.  Frequent exponents of such scoring were [[Johannes Brahms|Brahms]] and [[Gustav Mahler|Mahler]], as well as [[Richard Strauss]], and [[Dmitri Shostakovich]]. The first composer to write a separate contrabassoon part in a symphony was [[Ludwig van Beethoven|Beethoven]], in his [[Symphony No. 5 (Beethoven)|Fifth Symphony]] (1808) (it can also be heard providing the bass line in the brief "[[Janissary]] band" section of the fourth movement of his [[Symphony No. 9 (Beethoven)|Symphony No. 9]], just prior to the tenor solo), although [[Johann Sebastian Bach|Bach]], [[George Frideric Handel|Handel]] (in his ''[[Music for the Royal Fireworks]]''), [[Joseph Haydn|Haydn]] (e.g., in both of his oratorios ''[[The Creation (Haydn)|The Creation]]'' and ''[[The Seasons (Haydn)|The Seasons]]'', where the part for the contrabassoon and the bass trombone are mostly, but not always, identical), and [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart|Mozart]] had occasionally used it in other genres (e.g., in the [[Coronation Mass (Mozart)|''Coronation Mass'']]). Composers have often used the contrabassoon to comical or sinister effect by taking advantage of its seeming "clumsiness" and its sepulchral rattle, respectively.  A clear example of this can be heard in [[Paul Dukas]]' ''[[The Sorcerer's Apprentice (Dukas)|The Sorcerer's Apprentice]]'' (originally scored for contrabass [[sarrusophone]]). [[Igor Stravinsky]]'s ''[[The Rite of Spring]]'' is one of the few orchestral works that requires two contrabassoons.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://nyphil.org/~/media/pdfs/watch-listen/commercial-recordings/1213/release01.pdf |title = NY Phil Plays on|website=Nyphil.org}}</ref>

As a featured instrument, the contrabassoon can be heard in several works, most notably [[Maurice Ravel]]'s ''[[Ma Mère l'Oie|Mother Goose Suite]]'', and at the opening of ''[[Piano Concerto for the Left Hand (Ravel)|Piano Concerto for the Left Hand]]''. [[Gustav Holst]] gave the contrabassoon multiple solos in ''[[The Planets]]'', primarily in "Mercury, the Winged Messenger" and "Uranus, the Magician".<ref name="auto"/>

Solo literature is somewhat lacking, although some modern composers such as [[Gunther Schuller]], [[Donald Erb]], [[Michael Tilson Thomas]], [[John Woolrich]], [[Kalevi Aho]], [[Ruth Gipps]] and [[Daniel Dorff]] have written concertos for this instrument (see [[#Notable solos and soloists|below]]). [[Stephen Hough]] has written a trio for piccolo, contrabassoon and piano ''[http://weinberger.epartnershub.com/Was-mit-den-Traenen-geschieht-trio-M570056989.aspx Was mit den Tränen geschieht]''. Contrabassoon may theoretically play music for bassoon, which has much more solo repertoire, but the sonic and mechanical differences from the bassoon (and bassoon's comparative facility in the high register) mean that bassoon repertoire is not always suited to contra.

==Notable solos and soloists==
Most major symphony orchestras employ a contrabassoon, and many have programmed concerts featuring their contrabassoonist as soloist. For example, [[Michael Tilson Thomas]]: Urban Legend for Contrabassoon and Orchestra featuring Steven Braunstein, [[San Francisco Symphony]];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.robertronnes.com/TheSoloContrabassoonList.html|title=robertronnes.com|website=www.robertronnes.com|access-date=17 March 2018|archive-date=2 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102131757/http://robertronnes.com/TheSoloContrabassoonList.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Gunther Schuller]]: Concerto for Contrabassoon featuring Lewis Lipnick, [[National Symphony Orchestra]];<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lewis Lipnick {{!}} Kennedy Center |url=https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/l/la-ln/lewis-lipnick/ |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=The Kennedy Center |language=en}}</ref> [[John Woolrich]]: Falling Down featuring [[Margaret Cookhorn]], City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cbso.co.uk/profile/margaret-cookhorn|title=Margaret Cookhorn - City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra|website=City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra|language=en|access-date=2018-09-27}}</ref> Erb: Concerto for Contrabassoon featuring Gregg Henegar, London Symphony Orchestra;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/London-Philharmonic-Celebrates-American-Composers/dp/B000004AEV|title=The London Philharmonic Celebrates American Composers|date=6 July 1990|website=Amazon.com}}</ref> [[Kalevi Aho]]: Concerto for Contrabassoon featuring Lewis Lipnick [[Bergen Symphony Orchestra]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.andrewlitton.com/insights/ins_wpost_24feb2006.shtml|title=Andrew Litton Insights: Passed Up by the NSO, Concerto For Contrabassoon Premieres in Norway, Feb 2006 - Conductor - Maestro - Music Director - Musician|website=Andrewlitton.com|access-date=2013-03-04|archive-date=2014-07-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715213937/http://www.andrewlitton.com/insights/ins_wpost_24feb2006.shtml|url-status=dead}}</ref>

One of the few contrabassoon soloists in the world is Susan Nigro,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bigbassoon.com/|title=Sue Nigro - Contrabassoon|website=Bigbassoon.com|access-date=12 January 2021}}</ref> who lives and works in and around Chicago.  Besides occasional gigs with orchestras and other ensembles (including regular substitute with the Chicago Symphony), her main work is as soloist and recording artist.  Many works have been written specifically for her,{{Citation needed|date=July 2010}} and she has released several CDs.

Henry Skolnick has performed and toured internationally on the instrument.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} He commissioned, premiered and recorded ''Aztec Ceremonies'' for contrabassoon by [[Graham Waterhouse]].<ref>[http://www.innova.mu/notes/520.htm Bassoon with a View] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720010115/http://www.innova.mu/notes/520.htm |date=2011-07-20 }} innova.mu</ref><!--  Commented out because firm does not manufacture contrabassoons. Reference in Contraforte is adequate for wikipedia purposes [[Guntram Wolf|Wolf]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guntramwolf.de/englisch/f_modern.html#kontraforte|title=Guntram Wolf Holzblasinstrumente GmbH}}</ref> -->

A rare use of the instrument in [[jazz]] was by [[Garvin Bushell]], who sat in as a guest with saxophonist [[John Coltrane]] during his [[The Complete 1961 Village Vanguard Recordings|1961 recording sessions at the Village Vanguard]].

== Manufacturers ==
=== Current ===
{{As of|2019}}, there are nine firms which manufacture contrabassoons (in alphabetical order):
*Amati<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.amati.cz/en/woodwind-instruments/contrabassoons/|title=Kontrafagoty|website=Amati.cz|access-date=12 January 2021|archive-date=23 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023212849/http://www.amati.cz/en/woodwind-instruments/contrabassoons|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*Fox<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxproducts.com/instruments/contrabassoons/|title=Fox Products - Contrabassoons|website=Foxproducts.com|access-date=12 January 2021}}</ref>
*[[Wilhelm Heckel GmbH|Heckel]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://heckel.de/|title=Wilhelm Heckel GmbH|website=Heckel.de|access-date=12 January 2021}}</ref>
*Kronwalt<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kontrafagott {{!}} Walter Fagott |url=https://www.walter-fagott.de/en/kontrafagott/ |access-date=2022-04-21 |language=en-US}}</ref> (a collaboration between Guntram Wolf and Rudolf Walter)
*Mönnig-Adler<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moennig-adler.de/en/instruments/bassoon/double_bassoons/gebr_moennig/|title=Double Bassoons|website=Moennig-adler.de|date=9 March 2017|access-date=11 October 2015|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205083535/https://www.moennig-adler.de/en/instruments/bassoon/double_bassoons/gebr_moennig|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moennig-adler.de/en/instruments/bassoon/double_bassoons/oscar_adler/|title=Double Bassoons|website=Moennig-adler.de|date=9 March 2017|access-date=11 October 2015|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205064956/https://www.moennig-adler.de/en/instruments/bassoon/double_bassoons/oscar_adler|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*Mollenhauer<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gustav-mollenhauer.de/Kontrafagott.html |title=Gustav Mollenhauer&Söhne |access-date=2015-10-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824214110/http://www.gustav-mollenhauer.de/Kontrafagott.html |archive-date=2012-08-24 }}</ref> (also manufactures contrabassoons under the Schreiber brand)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.w-schreiber.com/en/instrument/contre-basson |title=Collections &#124; W.Schreiber |access-date=2015-10-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912034621/http://www.w-schreiber.com/en/instrument/contre-basson |archive-date=2015-09-12 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.idrs.org/IDRSBBS/viewtopic.php?id=4143|title=Mollenhauer bassoon (Page 1) — The Instrument Shop — IDRS forum (TM)|website=Idrs.org|access-date=12 January 2021|archive-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924040951/http://www.idrs.org/IDRSBBS/viewtopic.php?id=4143|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*Moosmann<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.b-moosmann.de/en/contrabassoon-no-300-professional-model/|title=Startseite - Bernd Moosmann|access-date=2014-09-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924053655/http://www.b-moosmann.de/en/contrabassoon-no-300-professional-model/|archive-date=2014-09-24|url-status=dead}}</ref> 
*Püchner<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puchner.com/en/kontrafagotte.php|title=Contrabassoons|access-date=2014-09-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924040815/http://www.puchner.com/en/kontrafagotte.php|archive-date=2014-09-24|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<!--  Commented out because firm does not manufacture contrabassoons. Reference in Contraforte is adequate for wikipedia purposes [[[Guntram Wolf|Wolf]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guntramwolf.de/englisch/f_modern.html#kontraforte|title=Guntram Wolf Holzblasinstrumente GmbH}}</ref> -->
*Takeda<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.takeda-bassoon.com/en/archives/product/cbp |title = Contrabassoon – Takeda Bassoon|website=Takeda-bassoon.vom}}</ref>

=== Historic ===
These firms once manufactured contrabassoons, but no longer do so. 
* Lignatone ([[Czechoslovakia]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trocadero.com/stores/allinsts/items/754670/ContraBassoon-by-Lignatone|title=ContraBassoon by Lignatone (item #754670)|access-date=2017-03-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331114621/http://www.trocadero.com/stores/allinsts/items/754670/ContraBassoon-by-Lignatone|archive-date=2017-03-31|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Cabart]] ([[Paris]]) stopped after purchase by [[F. Lorée|Lorée]] in 1974.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://woodwind.ad-bazaar.com/woodwind.php?ID=78494|title=Ad-bazaar.com|website=Woodwind.ad-bazaar.com|access-date=12 January 2021|archive-date=24 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124133313/http://woodwind.ad-bazaar.com/woodwind.php?ID=78494|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Buffet Crampon]] (Paris): Keywork differentiated from the German style somewhat.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.musicalchairs.info/sales/10847?ref=5 |title=Instrument Sale: Buffet Crampon Contrebasson N° 40XX |access-date=2019-05-05 |archive-date=2019-05-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505183712/https://www.musicalchairs.info/sales/10847%3Fref%3D5 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{EB1911 poster|Contrafagotto}}
*[https://www.contrabassoon.org/contrabassoonists.html Online compendium of free information of the contrabassoon]

{{Double reed}}
{{Bass (sound)}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Bassoons]]
[[Category:Contrabass instruments]]
[[Category:English musical instruments]]
[[Category:Orchestral instruments]]
[[Category:Bass (sound)]]