The euphonium, like many other low brass instruments, traces back to the first example of a low brass instrument, the serpent. Notoriously hard to play. Its use dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries. After the serpent came the ophicleide. It was easier to control the pitch but still not quite like the euphonium. The musicians below are very skilled at these instruments.
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The invention of piston valve instruments in 1818, gave these brass instruments a more even tone. The euphonium, using this new technology, was invented in 1843 by Ferdinand Sommer. Some people also credit Carl Moritz in 1838 and Adolphe Sax in 1843. Adolphe Sax’s family of saxhorns were invented around the same time as Sommer’s euphonium. The bass saxhorn, Sax’s version, was very similar.