Bass horn

Bass horn/Bassoon Russe, in three main sections of wood with flared bell and crook of metal; three keys of metal and three bands of brass. During the 18th and 19th centuries, music at court was provided by the sovereign’s Private Band, consisting of twenty four members. Members of the State Band, which performed only at coronations, were styled ‘Musician in Ordinary’ and were entitled to a salary despite often not playing a note for decades. In 1855 Prince Albert, together with the Master of The Queen’s Music, G.F. Anderson, instituted reforms that led eventually to the merger of the two ensembles. These musicians were usually members of the leading London orchestras, including that of the opera, and were contracted to perform at court twenty times per annum, including State Concerts. For a State Ball the music was provided by dance bands hired in for the occasion. There would invariably be more than one band, and usually three - in the Throne Room, the Music Room and the Picture Gallery - providing alternative styles of dance music.