Semi contrabassoon
Encyclopedia
The semi-contrabassoon (also called quint bassoon, semi-contra or half-contra) is a double reed
woodwind instrument
pitched between the bassoon
and the contrabassoon
. It is pitched in either F (Quint bass) or G (Quart bass) a fifth or fourth respectively below the bassoon.
These instruments were used mostly in the 18th century and are remnants of the old Quartbass Dulcian
s. Generally these were considered to be easier to make than a full Contrabassoon due to its more compact size. These were shaped like over-sized Bassoons between five and six feet tall with a long descending bocal. Little literature exists that indicate that these instruments were used, although it is possible that they may have been used to some extent in military bands. No attempt to revive this instrument in the present day has yet been made. It could very well be a valuable asset to performers and composers alike. These would be perfect for second bassoon parts that have a low tessitura as the low register of the bassoon has great inflexibility. Also when a true Contrabassoon is not needed the smaller Semi-Contra could easily cover the part. The great organist Charles Marie Widor in his book on orchestration greatly expected that the Semi-Contra would be quickly added to the orchestra’s roster.
Unfortunately, no instruments were ever constructed on his instigation. It can be noted however that Widor remarks come in light of the dismal state of the French Contrabassoon in the late 19th century, which was replaced with a Contrabass Sarrusophone
in most instances. One interesting side note is that the famous operetta composer Arthur Sullivan
is said to have owned a semi-contra in F and included parts for it in some of his operettas. Aside from the Great (Quart) Bass Dulcians, the only modern reproductions of historical Semi-Contras are being made by Guntram Wolf
of Germany.
Double reed
A double reed is a type of reed used to produce sound in various wind instruments. The term double reed comes from the fact that there are two pieces of cane vibrating against each other. A single reed consists of one piece of cane which vibrates against a mouthpiece made of metal, hardened...
woodwind instrument
Woodwind instrument
A woodwind instrument is a musical instrument which produces sound when the player blows air against a sharp edge or through a reed, causing the air within its resonator to vibrate...
pitched between the bassoon
Bassoon
The bassoon is a woodwind instrument in the double reed family that typically plays music written in the bass and tenor registers, and occasionally higher. Appearing in its modern form in the 19th century, the bassoon figures prominently in orchestral, concert band and chamber music literature...
and the contrabassoon
Contrabassoon
The contrabassoon, also known as the double bassoon or double-bassoon, is a larger version of the bassoon, sounding an octave lower...
. It is pitched in either F (Quint bass) or G (Quart bass) a fifth or fourth respectively below the bassoon.
These instruments were used mostly in the 18th century and are remnants of the old Quartbass Dulcian
Dulcian
The dulcian is a Renaissance bass woodwind instrument, with a double reed and a folded conical bore. Equivalent terms include "curtal" in English, "dulzian" in German, "bajón" in Spanish, "douçaine"' in French, "dulciaan" in Dutch, and "dulciana" in Italian....
s. Generally these were considered to be easier to make than a full Contrabassoon due to its more compact size. These were shaped like over-sized Bassoons between five and six feet tall with a long descending bocal. Little literature exists that indicate that these instruments were used, although it is possible that they may have been used to some extent in military bands. No attempt to revive this instrument in the present day has yet been made. It could very well be a valuable asset to performers and composers alike. These would be perfect for second bassoon parts that have a low tessitura as the low register of the bassoon has great inflexibility. Also when a true Contrabassoon is not needed the smaller Semi-Contra could easily cover the part. The great organist Charles Marie Widor in his book on orchestration greatly expected that the Semi-Contra would be quickly added to the orchestra’s roster.
Unfortunately, no instruments were ever constructed on his instigation. It can be noted however that Widor remarks come in light of the dismal state of the French Contrabassoon in the late 19th century, which was replaced with a Contrabass Sarrusophone
Sarrusophone
The sarrusophone is a family of transposing musical instruments patented and placed into production by Pierre-Louis Gautrot in 1856. It was named after the French bandmaster Pierre-Auguste Sarrus who is credited with the concept of the instrument...
in most instances. One interesting side note is that the famous operetta composer Arthur Sullivan
Arthur Sullivan
Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan MVO was an English composer of Irish and Italian ancestry. He is best known for his series of 14 operatic collaborations with the dramatist W. S. Gilbert, including such enduring works as H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado...
is said to have owned a semi-contra in F and included parts for it in some of his operettas. Aside from the Great (Quart) Bass Dulcians, the only modern reproductions of historical Semi-Contras are being made by Guntram Wolf
Guntram Wolf
Guntram Wolf is a maker of modern and historical woodwind instruments in Kronach, Germany.-His productions:He specializes in the modern Heckel system bassoon and is one of the better known makers of Wiener oboes...
of Germany.