double bassoon
C2Technical / Formal
Definition
Meaning
The largest and lowest-pitched member of the woodwind family, pitched an octave below the standard bassoon.
In orchestral contexts, it provides the deep foundational bass line for the woodwind section. Informally, it can refer to anything of unusually large size or deep sound in its category.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A highly specific term for a rare orchestral instrument. It is a hyponym (specific type) of 'bassoon'. The name refers to its size and pitch, not to it being played by two people.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'double bassoon' is standard in British English. In American English, the instrument is almost exclusively called the 'contrabassoon'.
Connotations
Identical in technical meaning; 'contrabassoon' (AmE) follows a more systematic naming convention alongside 'contrabass'.
Frequency
'Contrabassoon' is significantly more frequent in American musical texts. 'Double bassoon' remains common in British publications, though 'contrabassoon' is also understood.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [orchestra] features/employs/has a double bassoon.The [musician] plays/performs on the double bassoon.The [passage] is scored for double bassoon.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in musicology, orchestration studies, and instrument history texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside discussions of classical music or specific instruments.
Technical
Primary context. Used in scores, part sheets, instrument catalogues, and by musicians, conductors, and luthiers.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The composer decided to double bassoon the line for added gravity.
- Few musicians double on the double bassoon.
American English
- The composer decided to contrabassoon the line for added gravity.
- Few musicians double on the contrabassoon.
adjective
British English
- The double-bassoon part is notoriously demanding.
- He is our principal double-bassoon player.
American English
- The contrabassoon part is notoriously demanding.
- He is our principal contrabassoonist.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The double bassoon is a very large instrument.
- It plays very low notes.
- The composer added a part for double bassoon to deepen the woodwind sound in the finale.
- Unlike the standard bassoon, the double bassoon folds back on itself several times.
- The lugubrious solo for double bassoon in the second movement was executed with remarkable control.
- Orchestrators must carefully balance the double bassoon's powerful bass register to avoid overwhelming the cellos and basses.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DOUBLE the size, DOUBLE the length, plays an octave LOWER' than a regular bassoon.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FOUNDATION / THE DEPTH: Often conceptualised as providing the 'roots' or 'bedrock' of the woodwind sound.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'двойной фагот' (double bassoon). The standard Russian term is 'контрафагот' (contrafagot).
- Do not confuse with 'контрабас' (double bass), which is a string instrument.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing 'bassoon' in 'double bassoon' with the same vowel as 'bass' (fish). Correct: /bəˈsuːn/.
- Thinking it requires two players.
- Using 'double bassoon' in an American professional context where 'contrabassoon' is expected.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary American English term for 'double bassoon'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a single, distinct instrument that is larger and plays an octave lower than a standard bassoon. The 'double' refers to its size and pitch, not the number of players.
The double bassoon (contrabassoon) is about twice the length of a regular bassoon, has a wider bore, and its sounding pitch is one octave lower. It has a darker, more powerful bass tone.
It is a standard but not always employed member of the modern symphony orchestra. Larger Romantic and 20th-century works frequently use it, but it is often omitted in smaller ensembles or earlier repertoire.
Yes, typically. The fingering system is very similar, though the embouchure (mouth position) and air support required are more demanding due to the larger size and reed. Many professional bassoonists 'double' on the instrument.