Over-the-Shoulder bass saxhorn in E-flat 1865 - 1875

This is an over-the-shoulder bass saxhorn in E-flat, crafted by Ernst Seltmann, a German instrument maker who lived during a time of significant social and political change. Mass migration and industrialization transformed Germany, leading to new forms of cultural expression. This instrument, with its unusual design, reflects a specific historical and cultural context. The over-the-shoulder design was particularly popular in the mid-19th century, especially in military bands, as it allowed the sound to project backwards toward marching soldiers. It embodies the concept of music as a tool for solidarity, morale, and communication within a group. Think about the experience of the soldiers who marched to the sound of this instrument. The sound, the rhythm, the sense of unity. This saxhorn isn’t just an object; it’s a vessel of shared experiences, of collective identity, resonating with the echoes of history.