When played by a skilled musician, the bassoon can really add a lot to a musical ensemble. The problem is that while many other instruements sound OK when played by average musicians, and even tolerable by bad ones, this is not true of bassoons. Unless the bassoon is played by a very good musician, it often sounds like the bassoon is playing a different piece of music in a different key from the rest of the band. I don't know how to explain why this seems to happen, but I've definitely noticed it on multiple occasions.

Recalling F. Dukas' main theme in Disney's 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' should suffice for making this 'Aerophone' a favorite.

A bass wind instrument "developed during the 17th century from the curtal, it is characterized by two separate parallel tubes joined at one end by a U-tube. Early bassoons had only two keys but in the 19th century German makers experimented with a variety of key mechanisms. Most successful was the system perfected by Heckel and this still remains popular with players all over the world." (from: 'Musical Instruments of the World, Bantam Books'.)

In the modern wind group of instruments, the bassoon is the one that reaches the lowest notes. "The mellow notes of the bassoon's lower register provide a firm bass for orchestral harmony. Its higher notes, corresponding to the range of the tenor voice, are well suited for solos." (ibid.)

Then there's the modern 'contrabassoon' or 'double bassoon.' "This instrument can play notes one octave lower than the standard bassoon, and extensions are available to extend the range even farther down. Despite its very low pitch, the tone of the contrabassoon is rich and gentle."

No surprise, then, that Mozart, Beethoven and others found a place for this instrument in their compositions, as did Antonio Vivaldi ('Bassoon Concerto'); Carl Maria von Weber ('Concerto in F Major, op. 75'); Igor Stravinski ('The Rite of Spring'), etc.

any low brass or low woodwind instrument i like. i like the bassoons tone too

I have never played the bassoon, but i love its sound

Bassoon is the best instrument! It has a very large range and many different styles. If you are considering playing an instrument play the bassoon!

ahhh the bassoon. They sit in front of me in my symphonic band. I am sooo convinced that you bassoon players go home and smoke weed with your instrument but tell everyone else you are practicing...hehehe

a really nice sounding instrument

I used to play bassoon, but I stopped playing after I graduated. But now I wish that I was still playing. It is such a neat instrument.

this is such a cool instrument

I play bassoon and I love it. Aflx, you are not apparently aware of Mozart k.191 concerto. or numerous vivaldi's. The peter and the wolf solo isn't a really good example of the bassoon at it's best. I think that bassoon is one of the best sounding instruments ever. It is really relaxing to play, and it has a nice, warm, clean sound, unlike the trumpet, and oboe. It is quite often used in orchestras and bands.

Bassoon is third? All I can think of is Peter and the Wolf. It resembles a large bong. Ugh.

Ah, the bassoon...the perfect instrument! So mysterious and cool...so unappreciated!