Objekt 21
Bell boom
Description
A resounding showpiece of military music: with a crescent moon, bells, stars and fronds, the bell tree was carried on parade. Its sound was produced by movement alone - a festive signal of military splendor.
The instrument originally came from the Ottoman Empire and was part of the music of the Janissaries, whose lively marching music with bass drum, cymbals and triangle fascinated the whole of Europe. In the 18th century, European armies adopted these sounds - as a symbol of military strength and in the style of popular "alla turca" music.
These sound elements also found their place in classical music. Thus "Turkish music" soon became an integral part of military and square concerts - and ultimately a lasting influence on Western orchestral culture.
Object description
Maker unknown
Place ?, 1st half of the 19th century
Crescent with horsehair fronds, bells and stars; hoop with 16 rattles: bells, roller bells, stars; at the top another crescent with stars and bells, on the top a bell.
Material: iron, hair, wood, brass
H. 132 cm, W. 48 cm
Gift Paul Sacher, Basel, inv. no. 1956.551.
Audios
Store
After the Reformation