What are Multiphonics?
Multiphonics are defined by the Harvard Dictionary of Music as:
“two or more pitches sounded simultaneously on a single wind instrument.”
Early multiphonic experimentation conducted by Sergio Penazzi (1934-1979) and Bruno Bartalozzi (1911-1980) contributed to the bassoon community with new pieces and resources such as New sounds for woodwind (1967, second edition in 1982).
Penazzi experimented with various reed placements within the oral cavity, embouchure (lip) tension, and air support variations to create new sounds for the bassoon.
While other instruments such as brass instruments and flute can create multiphonics using singing while playing, the bassoon requires changes in fingerings to create a break in the air column to create the multiple notes. Some respond best to specific dynamics, which is often reflected in the bassoon parts.
Multiphonics are considered extended technique, however many educators may hear young students produce them if tone holes are uncovered.
Why Make This Database?
The bassoon community has various resources in print form for multiphonics, all of which are excellent resources. However, for quick learning of pieces where print sources either cannot be obtained or are out of print (especially for those not in an academic setting anymore), it quickly became apparent that most online formats for multiphonic fingerings are aimed at composers rather than at the musician. These resources are fantastic for creation of music, but sometimes a hindrance for fast turnaround of pieces.
Many websites set up in a way that is difficult to search for specific multiphonics, or have not been updated in years, as is the case with the IDRS Multiphonics page’s last update in 1997. Many bassoonists contacted for this study mentioned moving a single finger at a time until a variation of a multiphonic was found, zooming in on YouTube videos of other bassoonists attempting to figure out their fingerings, digging through outdated databases, or just ignoring the fingerings and overblowing the note.
This website was designed as a lecture recital project for a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2025 in an attempt to create a living document style website which allows for bassoonists to contribute their own fingerings for pieces already documented, or to contribute new pieces and fingerings. Composers are also welcome to contribute new pieces and fingerings as well. The initial research was conducted utilizing a survey consisting of a suggested fingering for specific multiphonics present in four initial pieces by Philippe Hersant sent to bassoonists of varying level and instrument. The collected information was then input into the website over the course of three months during the Spring 2025 semester and presented publicly April 2025.
DISCLAIMER | PLEASE READ
This database does not aim to take the place of any particular print or website or to compete, simply to contribute to the community in a way that is accurate, easy to search for quick learning of pieces, and that bassoonists can contribute their own fingerings if they wish to. Please utilize all resources for fingerings if you are able.
If you are the author or owner of a resource listed and would like to contact me, please use the field at the bottom of this page or send an email to the listed address.
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Want to request a new piece for the database? Have a fingering suggestion you’d like to have added? Send me a message!