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The Bassoon: Its Origin and Evolution

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2020

Lyndesay G. Langwill
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Extract

It must seem remarkable that a perusal of the subjects of the many papers read before this Association, since its foundation in 1874, discloses the fact that the bassoon has never received special attention. I cannot claim to address you as a professional performer, but as an amateur musician who, since childhood, has been fascinated by the bassoon. Indeed, I believe I am devoted to it much more than if it were the means of my livelihood. It has been my experience to find that musical people know little or nothing about the origin and evolution of the bassoon. Even bassoonists know little of that aspect, and I regret to say that one accomplished performer of my acquaintance, when asked if he was interested in the history of the bassoon, replied that he was more interested in its future than in its past! For the past eight years I have collected all available information at home and abroad, including photographs of surviving specimens of all ages and with the help of a selection of slides from these photographs, I hope to be able to give a very brief historical résumé.

Type
Research Article
Information
Proceedings of the Musical Association , Volume 66 , 1939 , pp. 1 - 21
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Musical Association, 1939

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