Ophicleide
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The ophicleide ([ˈɑ.fɪ.klaɪd]) is a family of conical bore, brass keyed bugle. It is reported to have been invented in 1817 and patented in 1821 by French instrument maker Jean Hilaire Asté (also known as Halary or Haleri). It was the structural cornerstone of the brass section of the Romantic orchestra, replacing the serpent, a Renaissance instrument which was thought to be outdated. Its long tubing bends back on itself. It is played with a cupped mouthpiece similar to brass instruments generally. It originally had nine keys, later expanded to as many as twelve keys, covering the large tone holes. The various members of the ophicleide family may be pitched in Bb, C, Eb, or F. The most common member is the bass ophicleide pitched in Bb or C.
It was first scored for in the opera Olimpie by Gaspare Spontini in 1819. Other famous works which use the ophicleide are Felix Mendelssohn's Elias and Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream as well as Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique. Verdi and Wagner also composed for the ophicleide.
The ophicleide was eventually succeeded by the tuba and euphonium, although it remained popular in Italy until the early 20th century and it is still played professionally to this day.
The instrument's name comes from the Greek words for "serpent" and "keys", since it was conceived of as a serpent with keys. Like the serpent it was difficult to play and had a somewhat unpredictable sound, leading to the doggerel:
-
- "The Ophicleide, like mortal sin
- "Was fostered by the serpent."[1]
[edit] See also
- Ophecleide (organ stop)
[edit] External links
- The Ophicleide — contains photos and a fingering guide
- John's Ophicleide Directory — photographic directory of ophicleide players
- Nick Byrne's Wonderful World of the Ophicleide — dedicated to the performance and study of the ophicleide, with pictures and audio examples
- The Serpent Website — contains photos, history, fingering guides, discography, etc. (focuses mostly on the serpent, but has information on ophicleides as well)
