On Saturday, November 20, 2004, at 09:29 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
I've never really understood the place of the mellophone in the
hierarchy. I suppose I should get myself a copy of the Hindemith and
try it on my solo alto. Once you realize you don't have to sound like
a snitweasel, the solo alto is a very expressive horn.
I've always accepted the idea that the Eb alto horn (Tenor horn in UK)
was an alto/tenor voice for bands in the 19th century. They fell into
disrepute but were resurrected as Marching mellophones for US school
marching bands in the 20th century, and still used now in the 21st. I
don't know that anyone makes a real mellophone any longer; just in
various cornet, trumpet, and euphonium configurations. They can be
played by anyone who can play a treble clef brass instrument. 'Twas
the original intent for the Saxhorn output. They were necessary for
the old small town Silver Cornet Bands, of course. Where do they fit
now? In the huge marching bands of US schools and for UK style Brass
Bands. They are not used for concert bands or orchestras. Don't get
much solo work, either, but are useful for U.S.A. Civil War era
band/ensemble historical performance buffs.
CORdially, Paul Mansur
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