Cor omnitonique 1833

This is a brass cor omnitonique, created by Charles Joseph Sax. Sax was from Belgium and lived in France during the 19th century, a time of huge industrial and social change following the French Revolution. The instrument's existence is tied to the era's cultural and political shifts. Brass instruments became important in both military and civilian bands, playing a role in public life and national identity. As the middle class grew, so did the demand for musical instruments, boosting innovation. Charles Sax, coming from a family of instrument makers, navigated this changing scene by creating new designs and improving existing instruments. His cor omnitonique shows how instruments evolved to meet the changing needs of musicians and society. It also reflects Sax's personal journey as an artisan during a time of big changes. In those days, music was more than just entertainment, it helped shape communities and national pride.