Conference & Café-Croissant, with Alexander Belser

This lecture explores the technological and musical innovations that transformed brass instruments in the early 19th century, tracing the evolution of natural horns and trumpets to fully chromatic models with pistons or keys, such as the ophicleide. It will also highlight the innovative use of the ophicleide by Felix Mendelssohn, one of the first great composers to exploit its extended range and expressive possibilities in the orchestra.