Digitally manufacturing fagottini at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis. Reconstructing historical instruments according to contemporary requirements

Abstract

The research on fagottini, carried out in Basel between 2017 and 2023, provided the basis for reconstructions of 18th- and 19th-century small bassoons using digital technologies, including 3D–CT scanning and additive manufacturing. This interdisciplinary initiative combined historical expertise with industrial innovation to produce replicas of these fragile instruments, making a significant contribution to the fields of historical musicology, conservation, and pedagogy. This paper discusses the methods and results of the project, emphasizing their implications for the conservation, analysis, and construction of historical woodwind instruments. The project addressed the challenge of maintaining the relevance of reconstructed instruments beyond the research phase by implementing a pedagogical framework at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, a specialist early music institution located in Basel, Switzerland. These instruments are now actively used to support three key objectives: promoting historical performance practice, enhancing pedagogical strategies, and enabling further musicological research. By integrating the replicas into these contexts, the project ensures the continued use of these instruments while fostering a deeper understanding of historical practices. The results highlight the transformative potential of digital technologies in historical musicology, bridging traditional craftsmanship and modern tools. The use of 3D-printed replicas in education and performance demonstrates their value in making historical practices more accessible while preserving the original instruments. Ultimately, the fagottino project exemplifies how collaborations between researchers, industrial innovators, and specialized institutions can make lasting contributions to scholarship and pedagogy. It sets a precedent for the integration of technological advances into historical research and reaffirms the critical role of reconstruction in preserving and revitalizing musical heritage for contemporary use.