The bassoon is a woodwind instrument known for its distinctive, rich sound. It is made of wood and consists of a long, slender body with a double reed at the top. The bassoon is played by blowing air through the reeds, which vibrate to produce sound. It typically has a range of about three and a half octaves. Bassoons are commonly used in orchestras and chamber music, often providing bass lines and harmonies. They are part of the woodwind family, which also includes instruments like the clarinet and oboe. The bassoon's unique timbre makes it an important component in many musical compositions.