Doublereed Archive - Posting 000047.txt from 2003/03

From: "Ann Adair" <ann@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [DR-L] Playing contrabassoon
Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2003 18:47:41 -0500

Nat wrote:
A side question/remark: I find it extremely difficult to make sudden
switches from contra to bassoon (but not the reverse). When playing
contra+bassoon on Mahler, my bassoon sound is considerably worse than
normal. It's almost entirely because of the change in reeds and
embouchure. Do other people notice this as well?
<snip>

I have found that playing bassoon is much easier after playing contra for a
while. Actually, playing contra has always improved my bassoon playing...
helping me to relax and breathe more fully. I love playing contra and miss
it dearly.

Changing back and forth does get much easier the more you do it. When you
practice, practice with both instruments and switching back and forth.

Ann Adair
Tampa, FL