WESTERLY BAND

There are advantages to being grounded by the volcano. Being stuck in Edinburgh, I was able to visit the Collection of Historic Instruments at the University. Although it is only two rooms in Reid Concert Hall, there are dozens of each instrument on display.

My primary interest was the Shackleton Collection of Clarinets. From an original one key instrument, through 3, 5, and 12 keys, to the modern design, the development of the clarinet was displayed in actual instruments. And more than just seeing them, I got to hear them, too. There was a computer kiosk where I could read the details of, and hear a piece being played on the antique instrument.

Serpent Horn, Edinbugh Univ. Collection of Historic Instrumentd

Beyond clarinets, I also heard the serpent, the hand horn, baroque kettle drums, and others. For example, I heard "Witches' Sabbath" from Symphonie Fantastique on the four key flute. From the dragon-head trombone to the cornopean, I was fascinated by the range of instruments on display. I'm glad I got the opportunity to see the collection.

Dragon Head Trombone, EU Collection of Historic Instruments

If, perchance, you are ever in Scotland, take time to see the Historic Instrument Collection in Reid Concert Hall at Edinburgh University. The collection is open, free of charge on Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning.

- Roy Clark, April 21,2010