Expert: Geoffrey Bridge - 8/8/2006

Question
My inquary is on the subject of the double reed. I would like to know where, when, what culture, what family name, the social status of or importance in local colony the creating family. Answers to any would be great.  

Answer
Donald
This is a vast subject indeed and a very interesting inquiry.
The double reed family started with an instrument made from cutting and then crushing the end together of a grass reed and blowing it to produce a sound. Different lengths produced different pitches of course. Legend has it that holes were made in the tube which then produced different pitches within the same tube covered anduncovered by the fingers.
A bone tube made from an animal limb with a squashed grass reed probably came next. we are talking ancient history of course and by the time of the ancient Greeks the instrument had evolved quite markedly. These instruments would be quite loud and raucous and used for outside functions both in religious ceremony and pleasure activitiessuch as dancing.
I am not really a great expert on this facet of the double reed world so I would refer you to Yale University Press "The Oboe" by Burgess and Haynes which has a good if short chapter on prehistory and also later on the social position throughout until our present day.
Its IBSN number is:0-300-10053-1 pbk and 0-300-09317-9 hbk

Hope that helps you find answers to your interesting question

Good wishes

Geoffrey Bridge