My PDF Dissertation (below) includes blue-highlighted sound icons that link to corresponding audio or recordings. Click on them to access the relevant musical examples. Dowling_11832604_final_v21082024Download
Tremolo
Through the bassoon literature, I identified three different types of tremolo that can be played on the contraforte: A Berio sequenza-type tremolo, which is a fast distorted effect based on standard fingering but over an octave. Standard fingerings effectively used in the middle register and, Tremolos using non-standard fingerings. I was influenced by playing Billone’s …
Contraforte solo pieces.
I wished to have pieces that included some of the contemporary techniques I documented on this website. These eight compositions serve not only as standalone pieces but also as valuable resources for exploring contemporary techniques on the contraforte. The music and detailed timelines, which correspond to the description of the contemporary technique on the contraforte, …
Aluminium Plate
In the video below, I demonstrate playing the contraforte loosely over the instrument's bell with an aluminium plate. This setup causes a distorted sound in the lower notes and affects the G4 note in the instrument's tenor register. https://youtu.be/K8kCM63h4ns?si=45hVM2K28o4cGOfq Playing with an aluminium plate over the bell of the contraforte.
Electric Guitar Sound
I discovered a sound similar to an electric guitar. It is relatively simple to execute and is based on partially swallowing the reed and fingering in the chart below the video example. https://youtu.be/OhqzXOzPak8 In the video, I alternate between opening the key and adding the Eb or removing the Bb. Remember to nearly swallow the …
Ethereal sounds
While exploring the upper register of the contraforte, I discovered whistle tones by employing a specific fingering technique and applying pressure to the back of the reed with my teeth. I am sure more contraforte players will come up with variants on this. https://youtu.be/sxtpHtV9e_o This effect can be heard in Alberto Posadas's piece for solo …
An Introduction to Roll Tones on the Contraforte
Roll tones are an effect in the bottom register of the contraforte and are produced by lifting one or two fingers off a standard note fingering. In the video below, I demonstrate this between A1 and A2: https://youtu.be/JYL40jdtWM0 An introduction to roll tones: A1–A2
Underblowing
At first, I thought underblowing was not a successful technique on the contraforte. This was not the case and using the fingerings in the chart below I found different responses to this technique: In the video below I discuss this: https://youtu.be/7GnbNDVnD9A
Overblowing
Overblowing is a characteristic of the contraforte and simple to execute. This effect is executed in the bottom register of the instrument. I have recorded an octave of overblowing from the fundamental where I gradually increase the harmonic layering by tightening my embouchure and moving my lips to the back of the reed then I …
Overblowing and resolving to a multiphonic
Reflecting on the multiphonics produced by leaky old contrabassoons, I experimented by slightly releasing the pressure of a key from either the 1st, 2nd or 3rd finger in my right hand. This technique created a multiphonic, particularly when transitioning from overblowing. The primary challenge lies in controlling this action with a single finger. In this …
Continue reading "Overblowing and resolving to a multiphonic"
Contemporary Contraforte 