Kontrafagott

As Printed on a Score

Labels the contrabassoon in German scores, as Kontrafagott or the older Contrafagott, abbreviated Kfg. or Contraf. It is written in bass clef an octave above the sound. The third bassoonist often doubles, and Mahler prints every change in the bassoon staff: “3. Fag. nimmt Contraf.”

Abbreviations: Kfg., Kfag., Kontrafag., Kontraf., Contraf.

Also spelled: Contrafagott, Kontrafagotte

How Composers Use It

Beethoven, Brahms, Wagner, Mahler and Strauss built the German orchestra’s deepest bass on it, often doubling the double basses for a firmer, reedier bottom. Its lowest notes, down to B-flat0, add a rumble felt as much as heard. Keep its lines simple and unhurried at the bottom, double it with basses or tuba for definition, and plan the doubling bassoonist’s changes.

Example

Mahler, Symphony No. 5, first movement, bassoon staff (“Zwei Fagotte.”), m. 345: “3. Fag. nimmt Contraf.” — the third bassoonist moves to contrabassoon at a p.

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