Note: This is a reprint of an article which appeared on page one of "To The World's Bassoonists," Volume VI, No. 3, 1976. By a rare photographic error at the printers, the scale of notes accompanying Mr. Levin's fingering chart was printed off by an interval of a third in several instances. Although a correction notice appeared in a subsequent issue, it has been my desire to fully reprint the article in its correct form for handy reference by many bassoonists who are interested in playing the baroque instruments.
In addition to his frequent performances on baroque bassoon in the New York City area, Mr. Levin has for a number of years been active in the construction and servicing of historical woodwind instruments. At his shop, Levin Historical Instruments. Inc., P.O. Box 1090, 112 First Avenue, New York, NY 10009, the following instruments are made:
It is our understanding that Philip Levin is also planning a reproduction of an exceptional Stanesby baroque bassoon. I.D.R.S. wishes him Godspeed in this project and hopes to hear more about this work in the future!
The MOECK bassoon depicted in these photographs is of a slightly different pitch than that of the instrument used by Philip Levin. The owner is my colleague, Michael Namer, of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa. His instrument is pitched at A 440.
Mr. Levin's bassoon is pitched at the baroque level of A 415, and therefore is to be played with other instruments also tuned to this pitch level.
Both instruments are 6-keyed bassoons and are replicas by Otto Steinkopf of a bassoon made by J. C. Denner (d. 1707). They were constructed at the Moeck Historical Instrument Workshop in Celle, W. Germany.
From Mr. Levin: "Reed for MOECK Bassoon 415 with a 372 mm. crook (crooks of various sizes have been provided in the past) -
Tip 17 mm. wide
Overall length 54
Throat width 12
Blade length 27
Crook penetration 9 (ca.)
Gouge of cane about 1 mm. (standard
bassoon cane)