First let me just say that I'm a big fan of the contrabassoon. It sounds like nothing else and adds a growly undertow to some of my favorite orchestral pieces and it's physically imposing. Most instruments are evolved, not planned, and the cb is one of the more exotic developments. But you know, it does go urngk urngk.
I like the little bonding moment between Alice and Sofie. Very cute.
ReplyDeleteAh, but only the Sousaphone can imitate a truck's airhorns!
ReplyDeleteIt does indeed. Merry Christmas, Richard, and thank you for all the unexpected moments of delight, the sudden snorts of laughter while standing by the toaster!
ReplyDeleteI am a longtime fan of Cul de Sac. I am also the contrabassoonist in the National Symphony, and almost feel off my chair yesterday when I read Cul de Sac (and again today) when I saw you include the contra! You were really too kind in your tonal description of what is essentially a fancy plumbing fixture. My NSO colleagues would probably suggest a more colorful description of the sounds that often emanate from this instrument, but those would not be appropriate for mixed company.
ReplyDeleteThis is just magical. All I want to say.
ReplyDeleteWoops, except Merry Christmas also!
ReplyDeleteI am a middle school band teacher and my "main" instrument is bassoon. In college I thought myself lucky when I was selected to play contrabassoon and I've loved the instrument since then. It is a tough instrument to play, and it is almost as tall as me. I LOVE that you have an elementary school student playing it in beginning band! (Good drawing of it too!) Thanks for all of the times you've included the double reeds in Cul De Sac! You are my hero.
ReplyDeleteThat is some fierce crosshatching going on in the final two panels of the first strip. You're really ending the year with a bang!
ReplyDeleteHi Richard,
ReplyDeleteGot my 2011 page a day calendar. I'm all set for the new year.