My bassoon is rather old (in fact it was found in a basement with bugs crawling through it), and it doesn't have a high D key, and none of the other fingerings I've tried have done much good. This wouldn't be a big deal, except for that all important rite of spring solo. Any tips on how I might be able to reach this note? Air support, fingerings, sort of thing?

All important are -

Suitable reed
Suitable bocal
Air support
Bassoon in good condition.
A good teacher.
Lots of practice.

In my book the least important of all is the high D key. I regularly have to test bassoons & there is no consistency with what will or won't play the high notes.

There is a relatively recently retired top London professional player who never had a high D key - it never seemed to hinder him playing the Rite for 50 years!

Ian

I agree with Ian. Players now expect high E & F loads of rollers and trill keys.Why? it just makes the bassoon heavier,more complicated and more expensive.

What is the name of your book, Ian? (or are we allowed to do that on this site?) I'd love to get it.