The Probert Encyclopaedia of Music

BASSOON

A bassoon is a wooden double-reed wind musical instrument invented in the 16th century by Afranio. It is furnished with holes, which are stopped by the fingers, and by keys, as in flutes, and forms the natural bass to the oboe, clarinet, etc. The bassoon covers three octaves and for convenience of carriage is divided into two parts; whence it is also called a fagot.
Research Bassoon