Zwei Fagotte

As Printed on a Score

A staff label: “Zwei Fagotte” on a staff shared by two bassoons, with “a 2” (or “zu 2”) for unison and 1. or 2. for single lines. A separate staff may carry “Drittes Fagott”.

How Composers Use It

Bassoons are non-transposing, written in bass clef with tenor clef for higher passages. A pair provides the bass of the woodwind choir, tenor melodies and staccato figures. When two share a staff, keep stems clear and mark a 2 or the individual parts, so the reader knows whether one or both play.

Example

Mahler, Symphony No. 5, second movement, bassoon staff: “Zwei Fagotte.” with “Drittes Fagott” and “a.2.” printed at the opening, at ff.

Related Terms