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Introduction

Types of Euphonium

So What's the Deal with 'Baritones'?

Introduction

Many people are confused about the euphonium. It is not hard to understand why - the euph', as it is affectionately called, isn't exactly the most common of instruments. Those who have heard it in the hands of a master, though, will never forget it.

The euphonium is a brass instrument that looks like a small tuba and has about the same range as a trombone. What makes the euphonium special is its sound: soft, dark, and smooth as glass. In fact, the word euphonium is Greek, and translates to "well sounding". This sound is due to the euphonium's late development (compared to other instruments). By the late 1800's, when the euphonium was first designed, the science of acoustics had advanced to the point where a revolution in brass instrument design could take place. The euphonium marks that revolution.

The irony of the matter is quite unfortunate: because the euphonium was so late in development, many of the great composers never had the chance to write for it. Consequently, the euphonium part has been added as nothing more than an afterthought in far too many modern works. This trend extends to all aspects of music education, and the euphonium receives only a fraction of the attention it deserves.

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Types of Euphoniums

There are many different kinds of euphonium, but most fit into one of the following categories:

	The 'bell-front' euphonium is so named because the bell faces forward when the instrument is held. The limitation of only three valves makes this variety a poor choice unless weight or low cost are serious factors. (i.e., marching)
	The type seen most often is the 'bell-up' variety (mostly peddled by Yamaha). These often feature a fourth valve, which increases the range - thereby increasing the flexibility of the instrument. The fourth valve (it's the one far left on the screen) lowers the fundamental pitch of the instrument by a fifth (Bb to F).
	The 'compensating' euphonium is a more advanced type of bell-up euphonium. The fourth valve (mounted on the side of the instrument) provides a 'fix' for low range tuning problems. (Click here for a detailed explaination).

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So What's The Deal With Baritones?

The baritone is an instrument similar to the euphonium. The primary difference is in the tubing. In the euphonium, the tubing gradually gets larger, starting just after the mouthpiece. In the baritone, the tubing remains about the same diameter until it approaches the bell. (See photo)

As you can see, the proportions of the baritone are quite different from the euphonium. This difference in the tubing changes the sound dramatically. While the euphonium has a very mellow sound, the baritone has a tone resembling a trombone. So how could anybody confuse those two instruments, you ask? The answer is simple: most people (band directors included) have never seen a true baritone! It's such a rare instrument in the U.S., in fact, that its name slowly became imposed on its more common cousin, the euphonium! "And now", as Paul Harvey so frequently says, "you know the rest of the story."

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