Roman Musical Instruments

[falcons1988]

As it is quite obvious I am researching Roman music. Does anyone on here know of any mouthpieces or parts of instruments that have turned up in various archeological excavations?

Such as a cornu or tuba

[antiochus]

Peter wrote:
As it is quite obvious I am researching Roman music. Does anyone on here know of any mouthpieces or parts of instruments that have turned up in various archeological excavations? Such as a cornu or tuba

I recommend reading “Eagle-Bearer and Trumpeter” Bonner Jahrbucher 176 (1976) but I believe it is republished elsewhere. Maybe other members on the list can supply the information.

Next I would highly recommend “On Making a Roman Cornu” by Peter Barton but sorry I do not have the journal name it was published in. This paper explores making a replica from the three cornus found at Pompeii. Tests were carried out by the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, Twickenham. There is a recording of the sounds able to be produced by the cornu.

[Caballo]

As regards parts of instruments, a full water organ was found at Aquincum . Heres an article and a reconstruction ( that to my eyes, looks Roman meets steam punk...) But scroll down and you'll find the archaeology. http://www.orgona.hu/orgonaink/tuzolto_orgona_e.html

[Decebalus]

For the Roman military musical instruments the most up to date work is:
Christina-Georgeta Alexandrescu, Blasmusiker und Standartenträger im römischen Heer. Untersuchungen zur Benennung, Funktion und Ikonographie (Cluj-Napoca 2010)
She has more than hundred instruments and parts of them in her catalogue.

Regards

[falcons1988]

Thank You so much!

[antiochus]

Peter,

I have in electronic format “The Archaeology of Musical Instruments in Germany during the Roman Period.” Send an email to [email protected] and I will send a copy.

Steven

[falcons1988]

I have just sent you an e-mail. Thank you Steve