just counted through the threads on the first few pages - i counted 25+ flute threads, 6 clarinet, 2 oboe, 2 recorder and a sax thread before i gave up - so i thought "let's give the bassoonists an outing eh"

i'm playing the third (and fourth? or is it all one movement?) movements of the saint-saens sonata (in G) at the moment and i'm having a spot of bother with the first bit of the adagio. my teacher's told me to play it totally flat, no dynamics or vibrato or anything, so when it's repeated later on, after the more lively bit, i can go for it and it sounds alot better. i've gone along with this, and the recap at the end sounds great (assuming my lips held out that long ).

thing is, minus dynamics and vibrato, there's not alot i can do with the beginning. the rythym's not really suitable for pulling it around, so... what can i do to make it sound interesting? tone colour's one thing i've thought of trying but there's only so much that can do to stop it sounding like an elaborate study

i've just played it in a competition thing and the judge said something like "you settled into it as it went on" which i'm pretty sure is judge speak for "it didn't start out very well but you rescued it after a while" but he was a nice guy really so it's all good

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!!! an actual bassoonist? replying? whoa, whoever would've thought it

11 months and you're going G8? ...wow. that's quite good to say the least you're trying the pierne? that's a nightmare piece, the saint-saens might get a bit tedious but it's certainly easier than the solo de concert! even the saint-saens allegro can't compare in difficulty.

i'll try the tips - good old fagotism has a recording by some japanese guy (can't remember his name) and i've been listening to that alot... cheers

When I read your post I looked at the music and listened to two recordings I have of this piece. The beginning of the third movement is marked 'expressivo' and I think it would be difficult to achieve that without some dynamic variation or a narrow vibrato - even if it's very subtle.

Neither of the soloists on the recordings could be described as playing it dead straight. Both apply the same degree of expression to the opening section as they do when that theme reoccurs.

One recording gives the impression of the bassoon line being detached ... sort of floating independently (in a musical way) of the accompaniment. This is a nice effect. You can hear a similar effect in the opening of the Glazunov saxophone concerto.

Quite agree about the shortage of bassoon posts. I started bassoon at Christmas and took grade 2 yesterday. It would be great to make the sort of progress that "Rhubarb" seems to have made. My present ambition is to play Piece by Faure. I have a recording by Lawrence Perkins and would love to be able to it half as beautifully as he does.

Keep the bassoon posts coming.

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Since there DO seem to be some bassoonists in the world (or just the forums!) i would like sme advice.
I have been playing violin for just over 4 years and feel I would like to start a new instrument. At the moment, it is hovering between bassoon and the french horn,both beautiful instruments, but i can't decide which to play!!!

Is bassoon a VERY difficult instrument to play? Rhubarb, you said you had been learning for about a year and taking Grade 8!! Was this because you had prior woodwind experiance? My friend is Grade 7 clarinet and took her Grade 3 bassoon after 3 months.

I would just like to know what real bassoonists think about taking it up so late!

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Thanks! Sorry for getting back to you so late!

I am grade 6 violin having had lessons for four years, and am grade 3 voice with almost a year of singing lessons. I have taken grade 5 theory already, but I don't know piano!!! Obviously bassoon uses bass clef, something I will have to be more comfortable with (though for some odd reason alto and tenor come easily to me!!!! ).

The budget isn't that much of an issue, but my parents don't want to spend too much...How much would you say a 'begiiner' bassoon costs??

One main question I had was what the repetoire is like? I decided against the horn mainly because there seems to be limited repetoire ofr it..and no Baroque!!!!

36 Vivaldi sonatas in print at the moment says it all with baroque repertoire! there are plenty of pieces around although being a violinist you may have a bit of a shock when you're looking for pieces (only 1 mozart concerto, for example)

cost - "not much of an issue" could be any amount, but reasonable second hand bassoons are maybe around ~£1000+, below that it's pot luck but a grand should be able to get you something playable - you'll know when you've outgrown a bassoon and that'll be the time to upgrade.

bass clef can be a pain to start with but i've only ever played bassoon so i didn't need to make the switch - it'll happen naturally enough, just force yourself to read and it'll become second nature. the difference between violin and bassoon will stand you in good stead in terms of reading as well, and stop you getting mixed up.

hope all goes well

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with that money a fox renard 240 is the way to go. it's their "student" instrument but it's widely regarded as pretty much as good as bassoons 3 times the price. even with an objection to getting a fox it would still make sense to consider it. i'm saving at the moment for one and with the dollar so weak at the moment they can be bought from america (with tax & shipping) for ~£4000. the spare money can be used to get a top notch crook and/or make adjustments as you see fit.

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