Meet the Orchestra: Baroque Bassoon

In Episode 11 of our 'Meet the Orchestra' series, Joe Qiu takes us into the rich, dark sound world of the baroque bassoon and shares one of his favourite moments from Bach's 'St John Passion' with us.

[@hyy2404]

Thanks for your playing. Is double sound possible?

[@XxXjoeqiuXxX]

Thank you! If you mean multiphonics, there are some multiphonics which work but it’s fairly limited and will be completely different on each instrument.

[@Nara1Family2Rulez3]

Is that an original baroque bocal/crook? There’s no whisper key on brq bsn, but do I see a little thingy on that bocal? Btw lovely playing!

[@XxXjoeqiuXxX]

Thanks :) no it’s a crook made by Pau Orriols in Catalunya. There’s a small hole in the same place as on a modern bassoon, so I keep a bit of blu tack or rubber tubing there and take it on and off as needed.