Double Reed

The bassoon (picture on the right) is the biggest of the woodwind instruments. It dates from the 16th century, and it is made of a long wooden tube, doubled back on itself. Many people don't realise that the name "fagotto", which is Italian for bassoon, actually means "bundle of sticks!"

The bassoon has a wide range of notes - the lowest is the B flat below the bass clef, and the highest goes up to the D on the 4th line of the treble clef. It has a very distinctive sound.

The double bassoon, or contrabassoon, is built an octave lower, and is made of wood or metal.

The oboe has one of the longest histories, stretching back to Ancient Egypt. The modern instrument, however, is developed from an instrument called a shawm.

The oboe has a conical shaped bore, and, like the bassoon, a double reed. Although higher notes can be played, it is generally accepted that the range is from the B flat below middle C, to the G an octave above the G over the treble clef.

Oboe family also includes the Cor Anglais, which is a large oboe with a bulging-shaped bell on the end. They became popular in the Romantic period.

DOUBLE REED

Two pieces of cane - the thicker ends bound round a metal tube, while the thin upper ends practically meet. they do, however, leave a small gap through which the players breath is forced.