I know there are many of you waiting patiently for the special late-June bassoon post, and I just wanted to tell you that your patience is about to be rewarded. Soon. Very soon.
In the meantime, without Googling, can you tell me how many bassoons in the lyrics of 76 Trombones?
I know, I know. Too easy.
Oh wait. The answer is something like "none," right? Like the Purloined Letter, right in front of one (note slightly defensive, but not really very, literary reference)...
ReplyDeleteAu contraire, Max, not easy! In fact, I have no idea. Am bassoon ignoramus. Awaiting enlightenment via your next bassoon-oriented post, et cetera.
ReplyDelete@Lidian - No. Despite the fact you will never see a bassoon in a marching band, the answer is not "none." Meredith Wilson was more into rhyming than reality.
ReplyDeleteThe real answer is more frustrating than "none".
But you may be sure that 76 trombones led the big parade. With a hundred and ten cornets close at hand.
You may also be sure that there were a thousand reeds growing up like weeds.
Even double-belled euphoniums. (I'd like to see a post from you featuring a 19th century double-belled euphonium, btw.)
But bassoons? Such a buildup to such a disappointment.
On the up side, Mozart (yet another long-awaited subject of an upcoming post) actually wrote a concerto for bassoon. I think he ran out of other instruments finally.
Not to mention TROUBLE! Right here in River City! Trouble with a capital "T" and that rhymes with "P" and that stands for POOL!
ReplyDeleteIt also occurs to me that The Music Man contains the only song in history that rhymed something with the word "carrion". That in and of itself is probably reason enough to leave off with The Music Man and return to the bassoon on its own.
ReplyDeleteEven if you are a librarian named Marion.
With my 15 month daughter, Trouble starts with T and that rhymes with P and you can stop with the pee.
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of a bassoon and happen to like that concerto. But I think you have to work to dislike Mozart.
I just remember that he proudly took his place as the one and only bass. Bass what exactly? Hard to imagine any bass in a marching band. I met a man who told me he was the only bassoon player in Mississippi-I'm sure there's a joke there somewhere. . .
ReplyDeleteWhy is a bassoon better than a clarinet?
It burns longer
Why is a bassoon better than a flute?
You can hit a baseball farther with it
How do you make a bassoon player's car look better?
Take off the Dominos sign
What do you call a bassoon player when he breaks up with his girlfriend?
Homeless
How many bassoonists does it take to change a light bulb?
Only one, but they'll insist on going through about five bulbs before they find one that suits the particular room and situation.
What do you call a bassoonist that can play 3 notes?
Gifted.
What do you call a bassoonist with a pager?
An optimist
How are bassoons related to lawsuits?
Everyone cheers when the case is closed.
Whats the difference between a bassoon and a trampoline
You take your shoes off to jump on a trampoline
Whats the range of a bassoon?
As far as you can throw it
How do you ge a bassoonist to play staccato?
Put a whole note and write "solo" over it.
What's a bassoon with perfect pitch?
That's when you get it in the dumpster without hitting the rim
Whats is the difference between a bassoon and a lawnmower?
You can tune a lawnmower
How do you join a community orchestra as a bassoon player.
Own a bassoon.
@Stephanie B - Actually, I like the sound too, generally. I am torn between the Mozart concerto and the introduction to Sonny and Cher's I got you babe. I will probably go with Mozart. :)
ReplyDelete@Descartes - A bassoon and an oboe walk into a bar... yadayada... stop playing around!... yadayada... split your reed... yadayada...
And I will be the first to agree with you that the "bass" lyric SHOULD have gone, "He proudly came ashore with the only scuba tuba."
Hey! It's better than "Booba". And MUCH better than many of yours! :)