#23

Well we've seen how the bassoon is expressive, versatile and all that rot... but where did this fascinating instrument come from?
It's so exotic! It can play every role, and speak with any voice. It is truly amazing!

Here's an article that touches on the origins of the bassoon;

http://www.cnn.com/interactive/career/0103/ny.phil.bassoon/frameset.exclude.html


It's very interesting. For those of you who think this is all just a bunch of talk, here's an example of the bassoon's versatility and powerful expression, just ignore the insane beard...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5IBwilB05oc&feature=related


This one shows how truly earthy the bassoon can sound, plus as a female bassoonist I find it interesting to see a bassoon section comprised entirely of women. It's a strange occurrence, I have only had the opportunity to play with four other female bassoonists besides myself in an orchestra, and it was never for any extended amount of time. Every other bassoonist has been male. Not a bad thing at all. ;-)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=phIRRINOF-M&feature=related


Here is Jazz bassoon, something I'm interested in, but haven't studied much, I think it's a lot better than listening to a saxophone, but of course I'm biased. :D
Did you know; the saxophone started as an experiment to make a metal bassoon? Something must have gone terribly wrong... ;^)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=dzc4MX5ozT8&feature=related


And lastly I wanted to include some pictures of early bassoons, before they were even called a "bassoons." You're probably familiar with the word "dulcet" which means "sweet", well older bassoons were called "Dulcians" -probably from the same root.

Moeck Dulcian -you can actually buy these things online for $3,497!

Basson d'Amour
Bassoon of Love, or lovely bassoon

And now for something completely different...
Faggott, Fagotto, Fagott, are all different spellings for the bassoon's more common names in Europe. It means bundle of sticks, because that's what the bassoon actually was before it evolved.
I don't know if this is necessarily the case, but when I was in Russia I asked the shopkeeper of a store selling sheet music for; "bassoon music," when she didn't understand I said "Fagott?" and she immediately understood and showed me what they had. -Our entire orchestra descended upon and invaded the shop that day; I doubt they've had such good business since! ;)

#22

Ok, this is totally AWESOME!!!



Miniature Bassoons! So adorable! Check it out;



http://www.millermarketingco.com/bassetto/index.htm



They're called Bassettos, or Faggottinos, whatever you prefer.

Bassettos may be just a little less conrtoversial...

I love 'em! I wish I had started playing at such a young age as to have bought one, but that's ok maybe this will open the eyes of some parent wanting their young child to start playing the bassoon.

Ok, catch ya next time! :)

don't forget to ask a question, be it a 'how to' or a 'how much' or 'what if...' I love hearing from people!

#21

Ok guys, this is the real deal. If you want to hear THE most awesome bassoon playing in your LIFE this is THE time.

Check it out, Valentin Martchev, a boy from rural Bulgaria whose love and talent for music put him in the big time. He will be playing John Williams' (that's right, the Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Harry Potter guy) "Five Sacred Trees" and the bassoon solo in Shostakovich Symphony No. 9, E-flat major, Op. 70. Keep your ears open for the Star Wars theme, it's there!

Don't miss it! Just tune in on your computer to http://www.kpbs.org/radio/listen Or you can tune in with your radio to "kpbs 89.5"

The entire program is;
Haydn: Symphony No. 85, B-flat major ("La reine; The Queen of France")
John Williams: Five Sacred Trees: Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 9, E-flat major, Op. 70
Need more? Read up on it! http://www.sandiegosymphony.com/uploads/pdfs/pdf_mw0607_8.pdf

How often are you gonna hear something like this anyway? Might I add (on a slightly nerdy note) that this concerto is the first in history to be played with a wooden bocal, instead of metal. Yes my teacher is a real pioneer. Have a wonderful Sunday!

November 11, 2007
- 7pm PST
David Lockington, conductor
San Diego Symphony
Valentin Martchev, bassoon

Ok, so if you missed it last night don't give up! I am requesting a link from KPBS so you can hear it online! Who knows? Maybe it will work! I'll put it up as soon as I get it! :)

I've gotten a few questions about my teacher's wooden bocal. What's it like? How does it sound? Who made it?
Here's the link http://www.robertronnes.com/paraschos.bassoonbocal.html
you can see them, you can hear them! You can read about them!

It's a very new thing, and totally revolutionary -in an old-world way. :) I'm gonna have to get me one of those.
So go check it out! It's so awesome!

Until later! -oh yeah, feel free to leave a comment or a question and I will be happy to respond when I get it, I love hearing back from you!