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Ophicleides

Nine-Keyed Bb Ophicleide

Paris, France
Western Europe

Brass
ca. 1860's


The Ophichleide is the tenor-bass development of the keyed bugle. These instruments first appeared in the stage band of Spontini's "Olimpie" (Paris, 1819) in a coronation march. This Civil War Era Bb Bass Ophichleide is stamped I'Association Renunis des Ourvriers

The ophicleide is believed to have been invented in 1817 and patented in 1821 by French instrument maker Jean Hilaire Aste (also known as Halary or Haleri). It replaced the Serpent in the mid 19th century, and occasionally served as a solo instrument. Eventually it was succeeded by the tuba and euphonium respectively by the beginning of the 20th century.

 

Owner:
Catalog#: HWMC