Op de Haubois of Basson meesterlyk spelen: Contextualising The Roles and Repertoire of Double-Reed Instruments in the Republiek der Zeven Verenigde Nederlanden, 1677–1725

Luis Tasso Athayde Santos

This study seeks to illuminate a body of forgotten repertoire, documented in the Dutch Republic's courts, theatres, military, amateur circles, and churches. Comprising of a dissertation and two appendices, this study explores how double-reed instruments were used in the Dutch Republic in the years 1677–1725, focusing on seven types and sizes of instruments made by Richard Haka (<1646–1705). This critical period in double-reed history marks Europe's transition from the direct descendants of Renaissance-type instruments to the French-style instruments of the high Baroque period. The Dutch Republic, being the origin of one quarter of all pre-Classical oboes and the earliest-surviving datable bassoon, was one of the first places to adopt these French instruments outside of France — though the older forms of double-reed instruments continued to be used throughout the period of study. One could question the need for having so many of these instruments in a region which is largely unexplored in terms of historical performance practice and repertoire. Double-reed players of the Republic served in a variety of capacities and could be found playing several genres of music, but due to the historically-inconsistent use of terminology, determining the exact introduction and extinction of these instruments is nearly impossible; however, by contextualising an array of seemingly-unconnected primary sources and analysing details in the iconography of the period, a more-informed perspective on the matter can be gained.

Op de Haubois of Basson meesterlyk spelen: Contextualising the Roles and Repertoire of Double-Reed Instruments in the Republiek der Zeven Verenigde Nederlanden, 1677–1725

Luís Tasso Athayde Santos

Supervisor: Bert Mooiman, PhD

A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Koninklijk Conservatorium, Hogeschool der Kunsten Den Haag for the degree of Master of Music in Early Music, Bassoon

March 2025

Main research questions

In relation to the period of study and the Republiek der Zeven Verenigde Nederlanden

Where could double-reed players be found and heard?

What role did double-reed players play in society and how were they perceived?

What repertoire is historically-suitable for double-reed players?

This thesis can be read as a PDF (right) or in this electronic format (below). To cite this study, please use the PDF.

To Abstract

Tip

Tip

Luis Tasso Athayde Santos - Op de Haubois of Basson meesterlyk spelen: Contextualising The Roles and Repertoire of Double-Reed Instruments in the Republiek der Zeven Verenigde Nederlanden, 1677–1725 - 2025