Author : Jennifer Stone
Picture Credit: Google
A lot of people confuse a Euphonium with a Tuba but this musical cousin has some different traits. This longhorn musical instrument is used to play a higher range of notes and has a lot of similarities with the Tuba which makes it a perfect alternative. What is mainly used in high school musical bands is also heavily used in the music industry. Let’s get to more fun facts about this uber-cool instrument.
1/10.
It is definitely not a Tuba
Let’s break the myth and reconfirm the fact that a Euphonium is different than a Tuba and serves a different position in any orchestra band. Though they look incredibly similar, the Euphonium is smaller than a Tuba and capable of producing higher notes.
2/10.
A name from Ancient Greek Culture
The instrument got its name from the Ancient Greek word ‘euphōnos’ which is referred to melody or something ‘sweet-voiced or ‘well-sounding’. It is more valid as the euphonium’s sound offers a reminiscence of the sirens of old Greek myth. However, the instrument was not invented by the Greeks.
3/10.
Then, who invented it?
It is still unclear who was the actual creator of this musical instrument as there are three people who are usually credited for the invention of the euphonium. Carl Moritz was the first person to develop a prototype of the instrument in 1838. Later on, Ferdinand Sommer and Adolphe Sax offered their inputs in the year 1843. But it is still not clear as Adolphe Sax is the person responsible for the invention of the Saxophone. But, there is still a lack of evidence whether Saxophones became the future of euphoniums or not.
4/10.
It looks quite similar to a Baritone horn
The identity crisis of Euphonium is not only related to Tuba but also Baritone horn which is considered similar to this instrument in size, shape, and sound as well. Though these two instruments belong to the same brass horn family, they are different in structure and the euphonium is larger than the Baritone. Baritone Horn also consists of a cylindrical bore which is different from the euphonium’s conical bores.
5/10.
Modern Euphonium development in 1874
It started through the hands of David Blaikley who created the British-style euphonium in 1874. He is used to working at Boosey & Co. at the time. Though many manufacturers tried to make some adjustments to the instrument, it didn’t require much changing after Blaikley’s model.
6/10.
Euphonium Players are spreading their names
Though there is not much hype regarding Euphonium, the players of this instrument are keeping their names out there in the world with impeccable musicianship. Some of the most talented and well-revered euphonium players like David Childs, Steven Mead, Demondrae Thurman, and many others have garnered global attention while shedding more light on this amazing musical instrument.
7/10.
Types of Euphoniums
There are a total of four types of Euphoniums used by musicians.
- Compensating Euphonium- British compensating euphonium is the most used instrument which is used in musical orchestras around the world. It utilizes a three-plus-one valve system that helps to achieve correct intonations in the lower spectrum.
- Double-bell Euphonium– This euphonium’s typical design allows the players to switch to a smaller bell by using an additional valve.
- Marching Euphonium– Just like its name, these euphoniums are mostly used for marching bands.
- Five-valves Euphonium– This is an extremely rare euphonium which is a larger version with two extra valves.
8/10.
Leading instrument in the Military
Military bands are one of the most disciplined, dedicated, and skillful musical groups that make tough compositions look easy and the euphonium is the leading instrument in tenor-bass military bands. American and British bands have mainly carried forward the trend of euphonium with the spread of the siren call among the masses.
9/10.
Euphonium Players struggle to pick a name
Picking a name for the Euphonium Players is one of the toughest jobs as it is quite varied and different people like to address it differently. It is still unclear whether the official title should be euphoniumist, euphophonist, or euphonist but it mainly revolves around these three terms only. No matter what the players prefer, people are still going to mispronounce it.
10/10.
A Jack of All Trades
There can be mishaps in orchestral performances as well but you still need to hit the notes. Being a Jack of All Trades, Euphonium can fill in when the Tuba breaks down. As a result, the euphonium players are considered the best people to fill the gap. Euphoniums are capable of hitting a large range of notes like no other horn instrument can. It can also offer a wider sound spectrum from the brass section. In a nutshell, a true game-changer.
Bottom Line
With these 10 unknown facts about Euphonium, you might have already known a lot about this cool instrument. So, do not forget to call someone out when you see them confusing a Euphonium with a Tuba or a Baritone Horn!
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