Verdi cimbasso / ROTH, Ferdinando

1.490,00 

Category Brasswind
Maker ROTH, Ferdinando
Marks and inscriptions PRIMARIO / FORN.RE. ESERCITO / [coat of arms] / PREMIATA FABBRICA / FERDO. ROTH / MILANO / Esportazione Mondiale
Period 1830-1900
Place of origin Milan, Italy
Description Verdi contrabass trombone (cimbasso) by Ferdinando ROTH
Materials Brass
Dimensions Total length approx. 1170 mm
Weight 3,260 g
Bell diameter 215 mm
Condition Sold as is, for restoration
Accessories Mouthpiece (not original)
Price (€) €1,490.00
Ref 1196

Description

Verdi cimbasso / ROTH, Ferdinando

The Verdi contrabass trombone is a member of the trombone family and is the largest form of trombone. It functions as a ‘cimbasso’ and this kind of instrument was chosen in 1881 as his preference by Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco VERDI (1813-1901) and others over the tuba because of its greater precision and its ability to mix better with other instruments in the brass section of the orchestra. Verdi would go on to include this instrument in operas such as AIDA or Othello.

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Our Ferdinando ROTH, was actually the German Ferdinand ROTH, born in Adorf, Germany in 1815. He was the second son of brass instrument maker, Johann Gottlob ROTH (1787-1864) who trained him. In 1836, he left his town for pastures new. It is understood that he worked for the firm PELITTI before having further employment in Prague and Vienna. He then set up his own successful instrument workshop in Milan, Italy. The firm produced all manner of brasswinds, but he is especially famous for inventing the “rothcorno” or rothophone. It is a metal double reed conical bore wind instrument which is similar to the sarrusophone, but has a saxophone shape.

After his death in 1898, the company was under the management of his son-in-law Antonio BOTTALI, who adopted the brand name “Roth and Bottali”. In 1906, on Antonio’s death, his sons Amedeo and Mario took over control. They also bought the Pelitti company in 1915. The Roth Bottali Pelitti brand was used until the early 1920s after being taken over by Maino and Orsi. The business finally closed its doors in 1939.

Although the cimbasso cannot be found in Roth catalogues, it is mentioned in a later 1910 Bottali catalogue as the straight/horizontal model of the Verdi cimbasso in B-flat. (Please see attached photo.) It is possible that after the invention of the Verdi contrabass trombone in 1881 by Giuseppe Pelitti, Roth also started producing such an instrument.

This Roth cimbasso features four rotary valves. They move, but need to be restored. There a just a few dents. It comes with a mouthpiece which is not original to the instrument.

In general, this instrument is in good condition and is ultimately a very rare and prized item looking for a new home.

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