Extended Techniques

A number of valuable and interesting techniques, tones and timbres. These extended techniques can be a valuable addition to the bassoons repertoire.

High Leaps

These consist of F5, G5 and above. Composers should allow the player enough time to prepare and avoid leaps.

Quartertones and Microtones

Intervals smaller than a semitone. Notation methods vary, but these examples are typical of quartertones and raised & lowered inflections. Quartertones and microtones are usually produced on the bassoon by adjusting the embouchure - lipping.

Multiphonics (played)

Playing chords - more than one note at a time. Write the bottom note of the chord and the word 'chord' above. Occasionally composers write all the notes of the chord that they wish to hear and/or provide a fingering diagram. There are quite a few possible on the bassoon, but bear in mind that individual instruments vary and the same sounds will not always be available on every instrument. Not very common on the contra!

Multiphonics (sung)

Singing and playing into the instrument simultaneously. The notation is to write the sung notes in small noteheads, plus verbal instruction. Rarely used on the bassoon!

Key Clicks

Rattling instrument keys, notation is x-shaped noteheads and verbal instruction. This is not particularly loud on a single instrument.

Reed Removed

Playing with the reed removed from the crook. A verbal instruction in written in the music. Several different effects available, including reed alone, blowing, tongue slap, etc.