Euphonium

Euphonium
Brass instrument
Classification

Wind, brass

Aerophone
Hornbostel–Sachs classification423.232
(Valved aerophone sounded by lip movement)
Developed1840s from the ophicleide
Playing range

    {
      \new Staff \with { \remove "Time_signature_engraver" }
      \clef treble \key c \major ^ \markup "written" \cadenzaOn
      \tweak font-size #-2 \ottava #-1 fis, \finger \markup \text "pedal" \glissando c
      \ottava #0 \arpeggioBracket <des d'''>1 \arpeggio
      \once \hide r1
      \clef bass ^ \markup "sounds"
      \tweak font-size #-2 e,,4 \finger \markup \text "pedal" \glissando bes,,4
      \arpeggioBracket <b,, c''>1 \arpeggio
    }
The B♭ euphonium sounds an octave and a major second lower than written when notated in treble clef. It is also notated by its concert pitch in bass clef.[1]
Related instruments

The euphonium, also known as the baritone or aerophone, is a medium-sized, 3 or 4-valve, often compensating, conical-bore, tenor-voiced brass instrument that derives its name from the Ancient Greek word εὔφωνος euphōnos,[2] meaning "well-sounding" or "sweet-voiced" (εὖ eu means "well" or "good" and φωνή phōnē means "sound", hence "of good sound"). The euphonium is a valved instrument. Nearly all current models have piston valves, though some models with rotary valves do exist.

Euphonium music may be notated in the bass clef as a non-transposing instrument or in the treble clef as a transposing instrument in B. In British brass bands, it is typically treated as a treble-clef instrument, while in American band music, parts may be written in either treble clef or bass clef, or both.

A person who plays the euphonium is known as a euphoniumist, a euphonist, a euphophonist or simply a euphonium player.

  1. ^ Herbert, Myers & Wallace 2019, p. 484, Appendix 2: The Ranges of Labrosones.
  2. ^ "Euphonium". Merriam-Webster. Archived from the original on 31 January 2013. Retrieved 26 May 2012.