The contrabassoon is a woodwind instrument that is part of the bassoon family. It plays an octave lower than the standard bassoon, producing deep, rich tones. Typically made of wood or synthetic materials, it features a long, coiled tube and a double reed, similar to its smaller counterpart. In orchestras, the contrabassoon adds depth to the woodwind section and is often used in classical compositions. It is less common than the bassoon but can be heard in works by composers like Richard Wagner and Igor Stravinsky, enhancing the overall sound with its unique timbre.