The lecture-recital, The Development of Woodwind Fingering Systems, traces the evolution of devices for controlling the pitch produced by woodwind instruments from prehistoric times to the present. The addition of keys, and the evolution of collections of individual keys into coordinated systems is particularly stressed, as are the various physical, physiological, and cultural forces which determined the directions of development of these systems. The similarities between the fingerings of various woodwind instruments are explained, a system of numbers is introduced in order to clarify these similarities, and a projection of some possibilities for future development of woodwind fingering systems is offered.

The research investigated the conception of the early bassoon in the late 1600’s and its subsequent development through to the modern day. It explored the technical evolution of the bassoon and its impact upon solo compositions1 and performance. The recital repertoire was chosen to demonstrate the changing capabilities of the instrument associated with each evolutionary phase, and to show how an understanding of these changes helps to place accepted modern techniques into an historical context. The submission consists of two recital CDs which are supported by an exegesis. The exegesis outlines the ways in which the performer’s musical interpretation is enhanced through an understanding of the instrument’s developmental history. It is also a commentary of the musical and technical issues faced by the author whilst preparing and performing the repertoire. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1351017 / Thesis (M.Mus.) - University of Adelaide, Elder Conservatorium of Music, 2008