Posted by Aubrey Foard on May 10, 2001 at 01:02:03:
I was pondering some tuba history out of total curiosity. Not for a class or anything, I just want to know. Anyway, I believe it is common knowledge among tuba players that the first tuba ever made was in the key of F way back in 1835(?)... but I also saw pictures of the London Symphony low brass section from the turn of the 20th century and it was an Eb. So what I'm interested in is why they started making Eb tubas in Europe and the U.S. Also, when did contrabass tubas first come into use. I heard that Cerveny has the claim to the first CC back in the 1850s. History buffs, start your engines...
(Perhaps you could also tell me why the helicon, ophicleide, serpent, and cimbasso eventually fell out of favor?)
Thanks,
Aubrey