The History of the Baritone Instrument
The baritone is a musical instrument of the brass family. It's often called the baritone horn, and it's similar in appearance to the euphonium. Consisting primarily of wound pipe, it has a bell-shaped end and a mouthpiece similar to a trombone. Originally called the Bb Tenor Saxhorn, it has evolved in size and shape over the years to become the modern baritone horn used today.
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Forerunner
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In the first quarter of the nineteenth century, instrument makers began experimenting with combining valves and brass instruments. In 1838, Carl Mortiz invented the tenor tuba, an instrument that is quite similar to a baritone horn.
Saxhorn
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According to the Notre Dame Music department, from 1842 to 1845, "Adolph Sax produced a family of valved brass instruments called Saxhorns. Two such Saxhorns--the Bb Baritone Saxhorn and the Bb Bass Saxhorn--corresponded roughly to the baritone and euphonium."
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Civil War
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Americans first began importing Saxhorns around the time of the civil war; these instruments were used primarily in marching bands.
Lawsuit
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Antoine Curtois sued Adolph Sax in 1855; he won manufacturing rights to the Saxhorn line of instruments.
Shrinkage
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Since their invention, baritones have shrunk considerably in size, making up for it by having more bent pipe which also improves sound quality.
Band Switch
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Baritones were largely removed from wind ensembles and confined primarily to brass bands in 1921.
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