Bassanello

Bassanello a soft-voiced double-reed woodwind of the Renaissance, with narrow cylindrical bore, 6 front fingerholes, and 1 rear open key for the little finger. The reed was carried on an S-shaped metal crook. The sound was muted by insertion of a perforated lid or cover at the lower end. First mention of the bassanello occurs in a Graz inventory of instrs. purchased between 1577 and 1590, where 1 bass, 3 tenors, 1 contralto, and 1 soprano are listed. Latest mention is that of Praetorius, who…