What is the range of a bassoon?

What is the highest note a bassoon can play?

C
The highest note I’ve ever seen in a bassoon piece is the C above that (C two ledger lines above the treble clef staff).

Does bassoon have a big range?

Sound and Range The bassoon, a bass clef instrument (sometimes tenor clef as well), is found in the key of C. The bassoon has a large range, spanning over three octaves. The bassoon has a rather mellow tone. In the lowest octave, the tone is full.

Does the bassoon have an octave key?

Backwards Whisper Keys: All modern woodwind instruments utilize one or more “octave keys” or “register keys” to enable the player to play notes higher in the overtone series. With only a single exception all of these keys are Page 2 ODDS AND ENDS ABOUT THE BASSOON 2 closed standing keys.

How many bassoons are in a orchestra?

There are 2 to 4 bassoons in an orchestra and they have a similar range to that of the cello. Bassoons usually play lower harmonies, but you will sometimes hear their hollow low notes featured in a melody. You play the bassoon by holding it upright and blowing through the double reed.

What is the lowest note on a bassoon?

The range of the bassoon begins at B♭1 (the first one below the bass staff) and extends upward over three octaves, roughly to the G above the treble staff (G5).

What does the bassoon whisper key do?

The whisper key performs a similar function for the lower notes on the bassoon. When pressed with the left hand thumb, the whisper key helps prevent the note from cracking. However, it only takes effect between the G below middle C and below in the scale.

How many notes can the bassoon play?

The bassoon is a non-transposing instrument encompassing four octaves of practical playing range from Bb1 to about D#5. The instrument also carries an incredibly unreliable set of high notes ranging from E5-C#6.