Helicon (musical instrument)

Helicon (musical instrument)

The helicon is a brass musical instrument in the BB-flat Bass family.

It is the predecessor of the sousaphone, and both instruments have circular shapes and are typically worn over the shoulder. A distinguishing characteristic of the helicon is a smaller diameter in the coiled chamber which forms the body of the instrument.

The instrument is very popular in central and eastern Europe and is a common choice for military fanfares.

Its range is two octaves below that of a cornet.cite encyclopedia
title =Brass instruments
encyclopedia =The Harvard Brief Dictionary of Music
volume =
pages =p. 37
publisher =Washington Square Press
date =1960
id =
accessdate =
]

History

The helicon is derived from the saxhorn.cite encyclopedia
title =Brass instruments
encyclopedia =The Harvard Brief Dictionary of Music
volume =
pages =p. 37
publisher =Washington Square Press
date =1960
id =
accessdate =
]

Helicon family

The German manufacturer Melton developed these instruments using the acoustical proportions of the mighty "Červený Imperial BB-flat Contrabass Helicon":

*Soprano in E-flat
*Alto in B-flat
*Tenor in E-flat
*Baritone in B-flat
*Bass in F (or EE-flat)
*Contrabass in BB-flat (or CC)

References


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