InstrumentWhip |
Instrument FamilyPercussion |
MakerJames and C Blades |
Date MadeSecond quarter of 20th century |
DescriptionTechnical description: 4-toned whip; held by left hand in leather strap with moving boards hanging slightly away from fixed boards; required moving board is hit by right hand against fixed boards. Canvas strap retains tongues of whips from opening too far. |
Other InformationGeneral usage of type: Special orchestral effect. Specific usage history: Made for and possibly used in Benjamin Britten's church parable opera The Burning Fiery Furnace for crackling of flames in Nebuchadnezzar's fire. However, Blades (1990) illustrates a similar but different instrument described as having been made and used for the same purpose, possibly part of a set of parable opera instruments which went to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, for touring. |
NotesR. Parks, Aug-Sep 1998; A. Myers; C. Overton, 15.08.98; letter from Jimmy and Joan Blades 6.5.99. |
Measurementslengths of moving boards: 275, 278, 307, 345. |
ProvenancePurchased, 1989. |
CollectionMIMEd; Blades Collection |
Accession Number2907 |