contrabassoon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very low frequency, specialist term)Technical, formal, musical
Quick answer
What does “contrabassoon” mean?
A very large bassoon that is the lowest-pitched instrument in the woodwind family.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very large bassoon that is the lowest-pitched instrument in the woodwind family.
The contrabassoon (or double bassoon) sounds one octave lower than the standard bassoon. Its music is notated an octave higher than it sounds. It is a specialized orchestral instrument known for its distinctive, deep, resonant timbre.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Contrabassoon' is the standard term in both regions. 'Double bassoon' is equally valid and used interchangeably in professional scores and texts.
Connotations
Identical connotations of a large, low-pitched, orchestral woodwind instrument.
Frequency
Equally low frequency and specialized in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “contrabassoon” in a Sentence
play the contrabassoonthe contrabassoon sounds [octave]a contrabassoon partthe contrabassoon's [timbre/pitch]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “contrabassoon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The piece calls for the bassoonist to contrabassoon in the final movement. (extremely rare/technical)
American English
- She has learned to contrabassoon for specific repertoire. (extremely rare/technical)
adjective
British English
- The contrabassoon line provides a murky foundation. (attributive use of noun)
American English
- He is the principal contrabassoon player. (attributive use of noun)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in musicology, orchestration, and instrument history texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of musicians.
Technical
The primary context. Found in orchestral scores, instrument catalogues, and discussions of woodwind instruments.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “contrabassoon”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “contrabassoon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contrabassoon”
- Spelling: 'contra-bassoon' (hyphen is acceptable but less common). Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable 'CON-tra' in American English is common, but the primary stress is typically on 'bass' (/ˈkɑːn.trə.bæˌsuːn/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a distinct, larger instrument that sounds one octave lower than the standard bassoon.
Because it is pitched an octave below ('double' the length) the standard bassoon, similar to the double bass's relationship to the cello.
It is a standard but not always employed member of the modern symphony orchestra. It is used in specific pieces where a very deep woodwind sound is required.
Not directly. The contrabassoon's music is written an octave higher than it sounds, and its fingerings are different. Music must be specifically arranged or written for it.
A very large bassoon that is the lowest-pitched instrument in the woodwind family.
Contrabassoon is usually technical, formal, musical in register.
Contrabassoon: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒn.trə.bəˈsuːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːn.trə.bæˌsuːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There are no established idioms for this highly technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CONTRA' means 'against' or 'opposite'. A CONTRABASSOON plays 'against' or opposite the normal bassoon by being an octave LOWER.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable for this concrete, technical object.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the contrabassoon in a modern symphony orchestra?