The Way of Cane: The Science, Craft, and Art of Bassoon Reed-making

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Eric Arbiter (Associate Principal Bassoon, Associate Principal Bassoon, Houston Symphony Orchestra)

The Way of Cane

The Science, Craft, and Art of Bassoon Reed-making

Eric Arbiter (Associate Principal Bassoon, Associate Principal Bassoon, Houston Symphony Orchestra)

$247

Hardback

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English

Oxford University Press Inc
28 August 2020

Music reviews & criticism; Wind instruments

As the sound-producing mechanism for the bassoon, the reed is a vital component in the sound of the entire instrument. While pre-manufactured reeds are widely available for purchase at music stores, this one-size-fits-all option hardly does justice to the unique needs of the musician and the piece. Many bassoonists, including seasoned professional bassoonist Eric Arbiter, instead choose to craft their own reeds. A nuanced and difficult craft to master, reed-making involves specialized machinery and necessitates special attention to the thickness, and even topography, of the reed itself. When done correctly, however, this process results in a reed that not only produces a more beautiful sound, but also holds up to even the most demanding musical performances.

In The Way of Cane, Arbiter demystifies this process for bassoonists of all levels of experience. Drawing from his decades-long experience as both musician and reed-maker, Arbiter provides a comprehensive yet accessible overview of the craft, from the differing sound qualities produced by changing the dimensions of the reed's blades to the changes in the reed's behaviors as it passes through cycles of wetting and drying during production. Small changes in each of these variables, Arbiter explains, contribute to the ultimate goal of producing a bassoonist's ideal sound. With step-by-step instructions, detailed photos that further illuminate the reed-making process, and a companion website featuring the author's own recordings. The Way of Cane emphasizes the importance of the reed to the bassoon's sound, as well as the harmony between reed and musician.

By: Eric Arbiter (Associate Principal Bassoon Associate Principal Bassoon Houston Symphony Orchestra)
Imprint: Oxford University Press Inc
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 183mm, Width: 260mm, Spine: 24mm
Weight: 771g
ISBN: 9780190919610
ISBN 10: 0190919612
Pages: 350
Publication Date: 28 August 2020
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Eric Arbiter is a professional musician and photographer. He played with the Houston Symphony as Associate Principal Bassoonist for 45 years, and has performed with several other groups including Da Camera, the Harvard Chamber Players, and the San Antonio Chamber Players. He was also Assistant Professor of Music at Rice University for 19 years, where he chaired the wind department.

Reviews for The Way of Cane: The Science, Craft, and Art of Bassoon Reed-making

FINALLY!! A reed making book that is not just an oversimplified cookbook or a dictatorial 'How-to Manual.' With the all-important bigger picture at the forefront, this book is entirely unique at its core when compared to all the other reed-making books out there. * Roger Tropman, bassoonist, teacher, and owner of www.nexuswoodwind.com * Nothing like this outstanding volume exists anywhere. The language is easy to understand, and is a 'must read' for those seriously studying the bassoon. It contains a thorough guide to bassoon reed-making, from elementary procedures to professional methods. The book goes beyond reed-making to present information about fingerings, articulations, and many of the musical problems a professional bassoonist has to learn and solve. * Bernard Garfield, Philadelphia Orchestra principal bassoon, retired *