A surprising number of small-sized bassoons from the 18th and 19th centuries have recently come to light. A research team at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis was able to identify over 130 of these instruments, which are meticulously documented in the catalogue in this volume. The accompanying articles examine their history, describe the reconstruction of playable copies using modern scanning and 3D-printing technology, and suggest an important pedagogical role. Collectively they indicate a history of diverse use that is only partially reflected in surviving sources, while demonstrating that replicas have a valuable role in re-introducing a unique instrumental colour to historically informed musical performance.

The three editors are closely associated with the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis. Donna Agrell was professor of historical bassoon and is an active player and scholar, Thomas Drescher, as former director of the SCB, has conducted various research projects on instrument-related topics, and Martin Kirnbauer is the current head of the research department and an expert on historical woodwind instruments.

Small-Sized Bassoons from the 18th and 19th Centuries