The French horn is a brass instrument that is often associated with professional bands and orchestras. Despite having a geographical name, the French horn is actually German. The name French horn is used way back in the 17th century. During that time, French makers were notable in making hunting horns. With this, … Read more
A dizi is a Chinese bamboo flute instrument that is notable in traditional Chinese music. This Chinese flute is played horizontally, like the western flute. Most commonly, the Dizi is carved out of a single piece of bamboo with a cork-lined blow-hole. The body of this flute features six finger holes in … Read more
The dabakan is a percussion instrument that originated in the Philippines. It is a single-headed drum that is usually played along with the other instruments in the kulintang ensemble. Interestingly, the dabakan is the only non-gong instrument among the five main instruments in the ensemble. According to history, the name dabakan originated … Read more
Cowbells are hand percussion instruments that originated to freely roaming animals. Initially, the cowbell was used by the herdsmen in order to identify the herd to which the animals belonged. These cowbells were usually placed in the animal’s neck, making the bell ring whenever the animal move. With this, it would also … Read more
Bassoons are woodwind instruments that were developed during the baroque period. The word bassoon came from the French word ‘Basson,’ and the Italian word, ‘bassone.’ However, the Italian name for the bassoon is ‘fagotto,’ which is similar to the Spanish and Romanian, ‘fagot.’ In old French, the word ‘fagot’ is translated as … Read more
The clavichord is a rectangular keyboard instrument that was invented in the 14th century. Back then, in the year 1502, the earliest reference of the clavichord occurs in the purse expenses of Elizabeth of York, the first queen consort of England of the Tudor dynasty. According to the researcher, a stranger delivered … Read more
The Tabor is a musical instrument with a long, rich history, with its roots tracing back to the earliest centuries. Also called the tabret or tambour in other languages, it is typically a small portable drum that is struck with a single stick. It is often used along with the pipe and … Read more
Bajo sexto, also known as ‘sixth bass,’ is a stringed instrument that originated from Mexico. It is a part of the guitar family with twelve strings in six double courses. Bajo sexto is closely related to the instrument called bajo quinto, or the ‘fifth bass,’ with ten strings in five double courses. … Read more