John Weeks Moore

“ The C clef, occurring frequently in bassoon music, ought to be well understood. When the learner has a sufficient knowledge of the notes, and can readily call them by their names, it will be advisable to practise the scale. The black dots represent the holes which are to be stopped, and the ciphers those which are to remain open. Great care should be taken to have the reed in good order. An old reed, if sound, is far better than a new one. ”

“ BASSUS. Some derive this barbarous Latin term from the Italian word basso ; others think with Zarlino, the Italian musical writer, that basis is its root, and that it originally implied the fundamental sounds upon which all harmony, and even melody, is constructed. ”

“ When you have your reed in good order, be sure and preserve it so, and let no person but yourself ever touch it. The holes are numbered in the direction the wind passes through the instrument : beginning at the mouth piece, it passes to near the bottom ; then, returning, makes its escape at the bell above the mouth piece. To transpose a tune for the bassoon, or any other instrument, observe, first, what key it is in, which may be seen by comparing the key note, and the number of flats or sharps prefixed to the clef ”