I’ve always been attracted to things that are unusual, eclectic, and uniquely creative. The bassoon is definitely unique, but when I discovered the contrabassoon my heart skipped a beat. I just knew this gorgeous instrument with its 18 feet of coiled wood tubing that could play the lowest notes in the orchestra was my future.
I purchased a contrabassoon before I’d ever played one, which led to the awkward moment when I first removed it from the case and couldn’t figure out where my fingers were supposed to go. After a brief moment of panic, I turned the instrument right side up and the rest is history.
Just to be clear, the term “contrabassoon” does not mean that I’m against the bassoon. Rather, it refers to the double bassoon, which is twice the length of a typical bassoon, and sounds a full octave lower. The contrabassoon isn’t the most beautiful sounding thing you’re ever going to hear, but I still love it. My teenage son has unceremoniously said the contrabassoon is like the dash of salt in a cake. In other words, you will know something is missing if it’s not there. But taken on its own, it’ll make your eyes water!