In "The Novel Habits of Happiness" by Alexander McCall Smith, the character Charlie experiences a vivid musical landscape where different instruments evoke distinct emotional responses. The violins create a melodic harmony, while the brass instruments add a triumphant tone. This rich orchestration provides a backdrop for her feelings and perceptions of the world around her.

Charlie particularly notes the deep sound of the bassoons, describing them as powerful and resonant as if they were operating on a unique scale of their own. This imagery highlights the range of musical expressions and suggests that each instrument contributes uniquely to the overall experience, mirroring the complexities of human emotions and experiences.