8/16/2019 The Euphoniu1

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THE EUPHONIUM 

The euphonium can be traced back to the early 1800's. This was an important time for

all brass instruments. Experimentation in both brass instrument design, and

manufacturing was at an all time high. Instruments were taking on new shapes, and the

invention of valves helped correct certain inherent intonation problems with brass

instruments.

In the mid 1800's, a family of valve brass instruments from soprano to bass were

invented by Adolphe Sax. At this time, the tuba was also undergoing many changes as

well. One of the outgrowths of the tubas evolution, was a tuba that sounded in the tenor

register. This instrument was coined the "tenortuba" in 1838 by Moritz. In 1843,

Sommer called it the"euphonion," and in 1848, Cerveny named in the "baroxyton."

Today, it is assumed that the baritone and euphonium evolved as one of the outgrowths

of the tuba in the mid 1800"s. Still today, the baritone and euphonium have no

consistent shape, and are undergoing virtually continuous changes and improvements tomeet today's needs.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE EUPHONIUM AND THE

BARITONE 

There are several differences between the baritone and the euphonium. One of the main

differences in the quality of sound. The euphonium gets a much richer, darker sound

because the bore is larger and it is more conical than the baritone. Euphoniums are

generally professional quality instruments, baritones are usually not. Most euphoniums

have four valves, while only some baritones do.

Many Euphoniums utilize a compensating system, invented by David Blaikley, attached

to the fourth valve which is much more accurate in pitch than the fourth valve of the

baritone. If equipped with a fourth valve, it will be located in alignment with the other

three valves on the baritone. The fourth valve of the euphonium is located on the

extreme right (although, recently euphoniums have been made with all four valves

together) of the instrument, about half way down the length, and is operated with the

left hand. Another difference is the instrument's location in relation to the

instrumentalist.

The bell of the euphonium, when in playing position, will be to the players right. Thebaritones bell will be to the players left. Baritone players often read treble clef, while

euphonium players read bass clef.