Books › A descriptive catalogue of the musical instruments recently exhibited at the Royal Military Exhibition, London, 1890 …, 1891 › scan 180
Scan 180
A descriptive catalogue of the musical instruments recently exhibited at the Royal Military Exhibition, London, 1890 …, 1891
26 lines. Read by computer on 1 October 2026. Printed page 160. See the scan on archive.org.
1ring, with a screw, which regulates the insertion of the crook into the instrument. The length across the instrument (not the total length of the air column), not including the crook, is 34 inches, and the greatest width 16 inches. The diameter at the bell is 3 5/8 inches, and at the small end 7/16 inch. 17th century.
3The serpent stands an octave below the cornetto torto, and forms the natural bass to this family. The compass, although it depends to a great extent upon the ability of the player, is usually considered from
5[musical notation]
7to
9[musical notation]
11The chromatic intervals were obtained on the serpent without keys by half stopping, and not by cross-fingering.
13Lent by the Conservatoire Royal de Musique, Brussels.
15329.
17Serpent. This remarkably fine specimen is of wood, stained black, and extremely light to handle. It is mounted with silver, and has six finger-holes. The crook is silver-plated, and the original ivory mouthpiece is still upon it. Length across the instrument, not including crook, 33 inches, greatest width 17 inches. Early 18th century. Plate VII., fig. A.
19The mouthpiece resembles that of No. 318, but is, of course, larger: it is exceedingly thin, while the cup is shallow, and the central orifice very small and angular.
21Lent by Colonel Shaw-Hellier.
23330.
25Serpent. Of wood, covered with leather. There are seven finger-holes, bushed with ivory; the extra hole, which is at the back, gives Bb. There is a brass crook, also the original mouthpiece of ivory. Length across the instrument, not including crook, 29 1/2 inches. Greatest width 17 1/2 inches. 18th century.
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