TubeNet

Hi-
Saw this on the Berlioz Historical Brass Website-FYI-Mark

http://www.berliozhistoricalbrass.org/cimbasso.htm" target="_blank

http://www.berliozhistoricalbrass.org/instruments.htm" target="_blank

Good stuff!
Please explain how this instrument is different from the ophicleide.

Hi-
An ophicleide is all brass and has covered keys. The early cimbasso shown has 6 holes and 3 or 4 keys and is wood & brass with a large bell flare.
Mark

The cimbasso is an upright serpent in bassoon form with a slightly narrower bore and finger holes, and with a flaring bell, usually made from Brass.

The ophicleide is a bass keyed bugle, and not really a member of the serpent family; its development was entirely separate from that of the serpent.

If you can, find a copy of Doug Yeo's serpent DVD. He demonstrates the cimbasso and other members of the serpent family expertly. The cimbasso is by far my favorite member of the family.

J.c.S.

Hi-
On the DVD, Doug plays a repro early Cimbasso made by Nick Perry of Monk Insts., made c. 2001.

It is a copy of this original early Cimbasso in a museum made by Luvoni of Milan-c. 1830



Mark

Where the hell did you find that pic? Looks... I'm emotionally scarred...

J.c.S.

(probably better called an ophicleide d'amore?)

bloke wrote:This is identified as a "bass horn".

Boy, was my band director dumb...

Aladdin's Magic Cimbasso?
Mark

It's a Tennessee still disguised as a musical instrument. Very effective.