i played bass clarinet back in school, and i know it doesn't really compare, but the feeling of the deep reach in the lungs to push notes through is just...magic.
never seen one of those. never even hear of one of those.. this is one of those little gems that makes RUclips so endlessly interesting. . Thanks for posting.
I heard (I think) the San Francisco instrument performed on loan at a reconstruction of the first performance of Mendelssohn's Elijah performed by Ex Cathedra at Birmingham Town Hall some years ago. It really added a good bottom to the sound and the performer was interviewed by the local press and this interview was available at the time to hear online. The performance was broadcast subsequently by the BBC. This instrument (or perhaps one of the other ones?) is also used in the commercial recording of Elijah 1846 made a while later by Paul McCreesh.
Subcontrabass Fan, the instrument in this video is the same one played by Tony George at the Ex Cathedra "Elijah" performance. I was assured by Tony that this one here is the same one he played, and I know that the person who used to own that one (and maybe still does) DID send the instrument twice to England, the first for for the "Elijah" and the second time for the BBC Proms, and that he got it from the widow of original owner Phil Palmer, and that he was the one who commissioned Robb Stewart to make a contrabass. I am fortunate enough to have played this one many years ago, and nearly bought it a few years ago...had settled on a price, all that needed to be done was go get it and hand over the check, then the owner changed his mind and decided he would try to get a higher price than what we had agreed. I discontinued the dialog after that, and I was at my limit anyway. I am fortunate to have a CD copy of the Ex Cathedra "Elijah" performance with this instrument very audibly carrying the bass line in the most bombastic sections. The BBC recorded the performance and played it once on their "Mendelssohn week" some time later, and I had my computer set to record the BBC's streaming audio , so I got the whole thing including the interview with Tony. Every time I listen to it (and I love the performance) I thank my stars that I got a tip off from Tony what time the BBC was airing the performance. We may never year anything like it again. Once thing I liked about its recent owner was that he wanted it to be played, and went out of his way to make it available to serious groups that wanted to use it. Whatever it is doing at Dillon (?) now, I suspect it is for sale, and not too likely to go to a like-minded new owner.
@@youtuuba I'm happy to report that the instrument, now in Portland, OR, is owned by a gentleman who has nothing but plans that include frequent performances of this instrument! I've been honored to have been granted the chair, and hope to be able to share some detailed news in the near future. Also, I can confirm that this IS the same Tony George instrument. The second Contrabass is in SanFrancisco and was previously owned by Jim Bartold - the gentleman that originally hired Robb in his youth. Jim owned it for sometime, until his passing. It was then placed in a storage pod that moved several times around the country before being unpacked in Nevada City, CA and sold in 2011.
The contrabass Ophicleide was a key part of a science fiction story by Ted Sturgeon I read years ago. Glad to actually hear one played! Was that last note a B0?
Brian Weeks, you refer to Sturgeon's short story "And Now the News". It described a normal bass ophicleide, NOT a contrabass ophicleide. Good story though, and the descriptions of the ophicleide are priceless.
Great to see and hear. One of only five contrabass Ophicleides in captivity. I'm surprised there are contemporary specimens. I just assumed they only existed in antique instrument collections.
Interesting instrument for sure. Doesn't seem to have the bottom presence of a tuba, but I'm sure it provided the bass they were looking for back when it was widely used. Perhaps the groups that used them had several players? Thanks for sharing.
Here is part of the "Witch's Sabbath" from the "Symphonie Fantastique" with both the Serpent and the Ophicleide playing the original parts: ruclips.net/video/lZzr4xXPeyw/видео.html
You’re not wrong, although this instrument was designed and popularized about 40 years before the saxophone was invented. According to stories, as well as the original Sax Patent drawings, the Saxophone is actually an Ophicleide with a Clarinet mouthpiece.
@@thattubaguy3801 I always wondered why saxophones are brass not wood! So I guess my question is: what does a wooden sax sound like / has anyone ever made one?
@@thattubaguy3801 , well, the ophicleide is NOT a saxophone, or even related to one, and the Sax is not an ophicleide with a clarinet mouthpiece; the entire keying system and way the instrument works is very different. Only an overly brief review of the patent diagrams makes it appear to be an ophi with reed mouthpiece. Reading the history of Sax and his career, the development of the Saxophone is pretty clearly defined, so there is no need to imagine (as many have done) that it was just a swap of mouthpiece on an ophicleide. The actual story is quite different from that. Having said that, Sax grew up working in his father's instrument making factory, which produced ophicleides, so he was certainly no stranger to the older instrument. As a historian on this kind of thing, I try to steer things back on track when I see descriptions going somewhat off the rails because of "stories" rather that documented history.
I'm glad valves got invented, they work so much better on brass than tone holes. But this would have made a serviceable stand-in for the modern tuba if valves somehow never got invented.
..... That was awesome... I burst out in an appreciative laugh at the final note, accompanied with a huge grin ! ..... So, I'd have to say two more things ... First off : you get an official 'At-a-Boy' for playing well ... And secondly : Coolness factor = 100 % 😁 ... 🎷 ... 😵💫 .....
That was pretty brilliant playing after only 30 mins of practice. I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but I can't help wondering how and where this instrument is used. I've not yet seen one in an orchestra, and would one of these be a necessity for an orchestra? I mean, tubas and euphoniums, as you know. Is it still in use? And for what? Very curious about this. I love to learn about unique and (probably) no-longer-used instruments, although experience also has taught me that many instruments I thought might be outdated for use often are used in certain circumstances, the posthorn being the latest example after playing Mahler 3.
Not an expert in the slightest so please take it with a grain of salt!! The ophicleide is kinda unused now, but it was used in orchestras in the romantic era and before, prior to being replaced by other brass instruments, that had better dynamic control and intonation. You probably won't see one in any modern compositions, but I think there are quite a few recordings. I've heard of the Berlioz symphonie fantastique being recorded with the tenor versions of these! Never seen one in person though :/
The ophicleide was an early 19th century attempt to create a bass brass instrument but mostly made obsolete in serious orchestral music by the development of the valved tuba in the mid 19the Century which provided a more robust bass sound. None-the-less, ophicleides seem to have continued to be played as a tuba substitute by musicians outside of A-list ensembles up to the 20th Century.
Great to see and hear this! I noticed you're using the RH3 key for the 5th (Bb concert) in the second register, rather than playing it open. Does this finger differently than a regular ophi?
It fingers the same, but my ear and experience with C and Bb Basses keep having me play the lower fingerings for the upper notes! I'm happy to report that after a few days with it I have been able to correct a lot of this. I'll be posting updates once a week, so stay tuned and thanks for watching, Scott! I'm a big fan of yours. Tell Nalepka I say "Hi!" Next time you see him!
Hey Mitch! BOTH of the playable Contrabass Ophicleides were made by Robb Stewart in the 1980’s(I think..) and were modeled after the sole original deep within a museum archive. Currently there are no manufacturers producing them. Wessex Tubas had expressed a desire to begin production, but decided not to because of the poor performance of their Alto Ophicleide (Quinticlave).
Further, To my best recollection there are only 4 documented instruments; Two originals (one that is only fragments, one that is more or less complete but tucked away in an archive), and the Two Robb Stewart Instruments.
Hey, Thattubaguy, can you clarify your name? I am compiling a (very short) list of places where people can hear contrabass ophicleides, and would like to get your name right.....you kind of rushed through it at the start of the video. And are you with Dillon Music? Can you say why that instrument happens to be where it is now (where ever that is..????)? Is it currently for sale? I also wrote a much more informative comment to this video, providing some more information of my own about this particular instrument. thanks
My name is Robert Dolan. I'm a repair technician at Wally's Music in Oregon City, OR. Currently in my possession, on loan from a collector in the city for use in several future performances. Details on that to come. It is NOT for sale.
Brass Instrument - predecessor of the Tuba. The Ophicleide family predates the Tuba by 30 years. Although it has keys like a saxophone, it uses a cupped mouthpiece like all brass winds.
@@thattubaguy3801 A Contrabass Valved Ophiclide if you will. The Contrabass Ophiclide takes a Standard Tuba Mouthpiece. Verdi has switched over from Ophiclide to Tuba when he was writting later music.
@@RockStarOscarStern634 although this Contrabass Ophicleide does indeed accept a standard Tuba mouthpiece, like I used in the video, it does come with a copy of an original mouthpiece - the cup shape, lip plate, and back bore is VASTLY different from any Tuba mouthpiece. The term contrabass has a lot of flexibility, and is truly derived from each instruments respective family. I.e. a Contrabass Tuba is the lowest in its family (Flugelhorn, Euphonium, F/Eb Bass Tuba, and then Contrabass Tuba in CC/BBb). Contrabass Ophicleide is the lowest in its family as well (Quinticlave, Bass Ophicleide in Bb/C, then Contrabass in Eb). The original Moritz Tuba plays the exact range as the CB Ophicleide, but would only be regarded as a 'Bass' Tuba by today's nomenclature.
So glad you posted this. Fascinating to see it and hear it played.
i played bass clarinet back in school, and i know it doesn't really compare, but the feeling of the deep reach in the lungs to push notes through is just...magic.
never seen one of those. never even hear of one of those.. this is one of those little gems that makes RUclips so endlessly interesting. . Thanks for posting.
I heard (I think) the San Francisco instrument performed on loan at a reconstruction of the first performance of Mendelssohn's Elijah performed by Ex Cathedra at Birmingham Town Hall some years ago. It really added a good bottom to the sound and the performer was interviewed by the local press and this interview was available at the time to hear online. The performance was broadcast subsequently by the BBC. This instrument (or perhaps one of the other ones?) is also used in the commercial recording of Elijah 1846 made a while later by Paul McCreesh.
Subcontrabass Fan, the instrument in this video is the same one played by Tony George at the Ex Cathedra "Elijah" performance. I was assured by Tony that this one here is the same one he played, and I know that the person who used to own that one (and maybe still does) DID send the instrument twice to England, the first for for the "Elijah" and the second time for the BBC Proms, and that he got it from the widow of original owner Phil Palmer, and that he was the one who commissioned Robb Stewart to make a contrabass. I am fortunate enough to have played this one many years ago, and nearly bought it a few years ago...had settled on a price, all that needed to be done was go get it and hand over the check, then the owner changed his mind and decided he would try to get a higher price than what we had agreed. I discontinued the dialog after that, and I was at my limit anyway.
I am fortunate to have a CD copy of the Ex Cathedra "Elijah" performance with this instrument very audibly carrying the bass line in the most bombastic sections. The BBC recorded the performance and played it once on their "Mendelssohn week" some time later, and I had my computer set to record the BBC's streaming audio , so I got the whole thing including the interview with Tony. Every time I listen to it (and I love the performance) I thank my stars that I got a tip off from Tony what time the BBC was airing the performance. We may never year anything like it again. Once thing I liked about its recent owner was that he wanted it to be played, and went out of his way to make it available to serious groups that wanted to use it. Whatever it is doing at Dillon (?) now, I suspect it is for sale, and not too likely to go to a like-minded new owner.
@@youtuuba I'm happy to report that the instrument, now in Portland, OR, is owned by a gentleman who has nothing but plans that include frequent performances of this instrument! I've been honored to have been granted the chair, and hope to be able to share some detailed news in the near future.
Also, I can confirm that this IS the same Tony George instrument.
The second Contrabass is in SanFrancisco and was previously owned by Jim Bartold - the gentleman that originally hired Robb in his youth. Jim owned it for sometime, until his passing. It was then placed in a storage pod that moved several times around the country before being unpacked in Nevada City, CA and sold in 2011.
The contrabass Ophicleide was a key part of a science fiction story by Ted Sturgeon I read years ago. Glad to actually hear one played! Was that last note a B0?
Brian Weeks, you refer to Sturgeon's short story "And Now the News". It described a normal bass ophicleide, NOT a contrabass ophicleide. Good story though, and the descriptions of the ophicleide are priceless.
Concert E1, or a C#/Db transposed to the key of Eb (I have no clue if this thing transposes or not)
It was an E1
@@BecauseHeLives39 I belive it was an Eb1
Nope E1
Great to see and hear. One of only five contrabass Ophicleides in captivity. I'm surprised there are contemporary specimens. I just assumed they only existed in antique instrument collections.
Wow never thought I would ever get to hear one of those. Not bad for only thirty minutes of how does this work. Congratulations!
What a...unique sound. Cool stuff.
Imagine attempting to get on a bus with that .
Thanks for most interesting demo.
I have a Rob Stewart Quint Ophicleide , It is a great sounding instrument, and so most beautyful
A truly underrated instrument
Cool soundin'!!!! I like it! Just like a giant saxophone, sorta, maybe, around the elbows... LMAO!!!!
Caramba! Já vem com percussão; ótimo o QRM de chaves 🙈🙊🤣
Interesting instrument for sure. Doesn't seem to have the bottom presence of a tuba,
but I'm sure it provided the bass they were looking for back when it was widely used.
Perhaps the groups that used them had several players? Thanks for sharing.
It really sounds like a more open tuba
I loved the last note, LOL!!
Love this guy
I’ve never seen nor heard of this interesting Instrument until I saw the part written for it in Berlioz scores.
Here is part of the "Witch's Sabbath" from the "Symphonie Fantastique" with both the Serpent and the Ophicleide playing the original parts: ruclips.net/video/lZzr4xXPeyw/видео.html
Berlioz did not write for "this" (contrabass) instrument; he wrote for normal ophicleide.
That's a very interesting instrument. It seems to basically be essentially a variety of saxophone that uses a brass mouthpiece
You’re not wrong, although this instrument was designed and popularized about 40 years before the saxophone was invented. According to stories, as well as the original Sax Patent drawings, the Saxophone is actually an Ophicleide with a Clarinet mouthpiece.
@@thattubaguy3801 that makes sense and definitely explains why the saxophone is made out of brass rather than wood.
@@thattubaguy3801 I always wondered why saxophones are brass not wood!
So I guess my question is: what does a wooden sax sound like / has anyone ever made one?
@@thattubaguy3801 That makes me wonder if subcontrabass(CC/BBb) ophicleides are actually conceivable!
@@thattubaguy3801 , well, the ophicleide is NOT a saxophone, or even related to one, and the Sax is not an ophicleide with a clarinet mouthpiece; the entire keying system and way the instrument works is very different. Only an overly brief review of the patent diagrams makes it appear to be an ophi with reed mouthpiece.
Reading the history of Sax and his career, the development of the Saxophone is pretty clearly defined, so there is no need to imagine (as many have done) that it was just a swap of mouthpiece on an ophicleide. The actual story is quite different from that. Having said that, Sax grew up working in his father's instrument making factory, which produced ophicleides, so he was certainly no stranger to the older instrument.
As a historian on this kind of thing, I try to steer things back on track when I see descriptions going somewhat off the rails because of "stories" rather that documented history.
I have a Contrabass Trombone in F which is not quite as rare as this instrument but its still very cool too!!!
God bless you, you tried.
the chair casually creaking
I'm glad valves got invented, they work so much better on brass than tone holes. But this would have made a serviceable stand-in for the modern tuba if valves somehow never got invented.
..... That was awesome... I burst out in an appreciative laugh at the final note, accompanied with a huge grin !
..... So, I'd have to say two more things ... First off : you get an official 'At-a-Boy' for playing well ... And secondly : Coolness factor = 100 % 😁 ... 🎷 ... 😵💫 .....
Interesting instrument, but I can see why it isn't used anymore. Well done!
That was pretty brilliant playing after only 30 mins of practice. I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but I can't help wondering how and where this instrument is used. I've not yet seen one in an orchestra, and would one of these be a necessity for an orchestra? I mean, tubas and euphoniums, as you know. Is it still in use? And for what? Very curious about this. I love to learn about unique and (probably) no-longer-used instruments, although experience also has taught me that many instruments I thought might be outdated for use often are used in certain circumstances, the posthorn being the latest example after playing Mahler 3.
Not an expert in the slightest so please take it with a grain of salt!!
The ophicleide is kinda unused now, but it was used in orchestras in the romantic era and before, prior to being replaced by other brass instruments, that had better dynamic control and intonation. You probably won't see one in any modern compositions, but I think there are quite a few recordings. I've heard of the Berlioz symphonie fantastique being recorded with the tenor versions of these! Never seen one in person though :/
The tuba was only invented in 1835 or something so tuba parts in compositions before that would have originally been for ophicleide or serpent
The ophicleide was an early 19th century attempt to create a bass brass instrument but mostly made obsolete in serious orchestral music by the development of the valved tuba in the mid 19the Century which provided a more robust bass sound. None-the-less, ophicleides seem to have continued to be played as a tuba substitute by musicians outside of A-list ensembles up to the 20th Century.
107th sub, great content
Beautifull instrument
Great to see and hear this! I noticed you're using the RH3 key for the 5th (Bb concert) in the second register, rather than playing it open. Does this finger differently than a regular ophi?
It fingers the same, but my ear and experience with C and Bb Basses keep having me play the lower fingerings for the upper notes!
I'm happy to report that after a few days with it I have been able to correct a lot of this.
I'll be posting updates once a week, so stay tuned and thanks for watching, Scott! I'm a big fan of yours. Tell Nalepka I say "Hi!" Next time you see him!
@@thattubaguy3801 Ah, I understand. Thanks!
Is this instrument yours?
I love this song.
Looks and sounds like something from The Far Side. However, I would like to hear it played in an ensemble.
I love it
Magnificent
Cool!!
where did you get this.
Cool.
For when your tuba isn't tuba enough
It seems like a general rule that for every instrument that exists, someone made a contrabass version of it.
Where’s my contrabass triangle dammit
we sing this song at church
A paz de Deus 🙏🏻🙌🏻
This is a Dr Seuss instrument
You're going to mail me half a dozen of those, right?
Valved ophicleide?
Can these play a chromatic scale?
Absolutely they can! And do!
cool instrument. love the deep deep bass sound. what's the range of this, do u know?
Idk if Im just hearing/remembering wrong, but isn’t this the beginning of a song called: Cumberland Cross?
Why does it sound like the dont hug me I’m scared outro
How many of those exist? Is there any modern maker manufacture those?
Hey Mitch! BOTH of the playable Contrabass Ophicleides were made by Robb Stewart in the 1980’s(I think..) and were modeled after the sole original deep within a museum archive. Currently there are no manufacturers producing them.
Wessex Tubas had expressed a desire to begin production, but decided not to because of the poor performance of their Alto Ophicleide (Quinticlave).
Further, To my best recollection there are only 4 documented instruments;
Two originals (one that is only fragments, one that is more or less complete but tucked away in an archive), and the Two Robb Stewart Instruments.
Hey, Thattubaguy, can you clarify your name? I am compiling a (very short) list of places where people can hear contrabass ophicleides, and would like to get your name right.....you kind of rushed through it at the start of the video. And are you with Dillon Music?
Can you say why that instrument happens to be where it is now (where ever that is..????)? Is it currently for sale?
I also wrote a much more informative comment to this video, providing some more information of my own about this particular instrument.
thanks
My name is Robert Dolan. I'm a repair technician at Wally's Music in Oregon City, OR. Currently in my possession, on loan from a collector in the city for use in several future performances. Details on that to come. It is NOT for sale.
Parece um hino da minha igreja
Da CCB, né? Pensei a mesma coisa
É
O 464
A paz de Deus 🙏🏻🙌🏻, se sentirem de passar lá no meu canal, Deus abençoe sempre ❤️
shape similar to contrabass saxophone
but sound like tuba
Can someone please explain to me what one of these is,I’ve heard many answers but I wasn’t some second opinions
I would encourage you to read the articles on Wikipedia, or on Robb Stewart’s (the builder of this horn) website.
What’s the song u played
Woodwind or brass?
Brass Instrument - predecessor of the Tuba. The Ophicleide family predates the Tuba by 30 years. Although it has keys like a saxophone, it uses a cupped mouthpiece like all brass winds.
1:06 in case anyone has a short attention span
Nettalton?
Now try this on a slide, lol. Thanks!
It's a Keyed Tuba
Yes, but no! The Ophicleide Family predates the first patented Tuba by roughly 30 years.
So technically, Tuba is just a Valved Ophicleide 😎
@@thattubaguy3801 A Contrabass Valved Ophiclide if you will. The Contrabass Ophiclide takes a Standard Tuba Mouthpiece. Verdi has switched over from Ophiclide to Tuba when he was writting later music.
@@RockStarOscarStern634 although this Contrabass Ophicleide does indeed accept a standard Tuba mouthpiece, like I used in the video, it does come with a copy of an original mouthpiece - the cup shape, lip plate, and back bore is VASTLY different from any Tuba mouthpiece.
The term contrabass has a lot of flexibility, and is truly derived from each instruments respective family. I.e. a Contrabass Tuba is the lowest in its family (Flugelhorn, Euphonium, F/Eb Bass Tuba, and then Contrabass Tuba in CC/BBb).
Contrabass Ophicleide is the lowest in its family as well (Quinticlave, Bass Ophicleide in Bb/C, then Contrabass in Eb).
The original Moritz Tuba plays the exact range as the CB Ophicleide, but would only be regarded as a 'Bass' Tuba by today's nomenclature.
@@thattubaguy3801 Why not put a Contrabass Sax Mouthpiece on it?
@@RockStarOscarStern634 I wish I had one to do this with!
I’m sorry what In the actual orange banana kaboodle is this thing
this song sounds like nettleton by jonnie vinson
That is so weird!!!
Brass contrabassoon
There's a contrabass ophicleide??????
Just because an instrument was made doesn't mean it should be played.
666toysoldier, and your point is? Or do you just like leaving baseless quips in random places?
Now play it in the NYC Subway
Someone actually plays this?
The what?
Errant was here
So as a relic of mysic history it's interesting, but for tone quality as a bass horn compared to a modern tuba it's quite inferior.
sounds like a tuba
CCUS
Ccb
oil that chair. immediately
The what?