"Valved posthorn, nominal pitch: 4-ft C"

Valved posthorn, nominal pitch: 4-ft C | Alois Kratky | Circa 1900

Valved posthorn, nominal pitch: 4-ft C. Photo by Rui Wang Photograph © The University of Edinburgh

Valves were added to the post horn in the mid-19th century and made the instrument fully chromatic. Although used by composers such as Gustav Mahler in his Third Symphony, the valved post horn was superseded by the cornet and soon fell out of favour.The valved posthorn was popular as a solo instrument in Imperial Vienna.

Post horn

Instrument Data

Instrument Information

Title

Valved posthorn, nominal pitch: 4-ft C

Alternative Title

Valved posthorn.

Accession Number

4566

Collection

MIMEd

Date Information

Date Made

Circa 1900

Period

19th century; 20th century; 1890s; 1900s

Gallery Information

Gallery

Wolfson Gallery

Case

Brasswind case 3

Maker Information

Maker Name

Alois Kratky

Maker Biography

Alois Kratky was a brass instrument maker active in Vienna in the early-20th century.

Made In

City

Vienna

Country

Austria

Description

Technical Description

Circular post horn of brass with German silver trim; ligature tuning slide at mouthpipe. Valve type: 3 rotary valves in triangular disposition; cork buffers on rotor arms. Inscribed on bell garland "Alois Kratky / bürgl. Musik Instrumenten Erzeuger / Wien, VI.Mariahilferstrasse 51". Decorative features: floral and foliage embellishment on garland and on valve top and bottom caps. In black leathercloth bag with drawstring. Knob missing from 3rd v.t.s. Usable pitch: Austrian high pitch.

Provenance

ex- Gerhard Stradner collection; formerly in collection of his father.; on loan to the Collection.; Purchased by lender with and possibly formerly used with mouthpiece (4567).

Classification