Instruments: The Serpent a pavillon
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Serpent a pavillon: site under construction
Described by Coeffet in 1839 as having a clear tone and notes of consistent quality, the serpent a pavillon consists of three sections with a coiled metal bocal and metal bell, six fingerholes with no thumbhole, and three keys (including a left hand vent key). The middle portion, a U-shaped wooden stock of parallel tubing, is less substantial in weight and width than the basson russe.
One important designation among the upright serpents is the configuration of finger holes for the lengthening of the air column. Using Mendelssohn's 1824 line drawing of the English bass horn (sent in a letter to his sister, Fanny), finger holes have been placed in order on the air column as a way to display their positioning for the serpent a pavillon.
For a complete description of the different types of bass horns, see Bass horns and Russian bassoons by Craig Kridel
Piccolo Press : ITEA Historical Instrument Section : The Tigers Shout Band : Harmoniemusik : Links