Flügel Horn with Cornet in C 1880s - 1890s

This intriguing instrument was made by Giuseppe Pelitti in 19th-century Italy. It combines a flügelhorn and cornet, both crafted from brass, an alloy of copper and zinc. Brass is a material celebrated for its acoustic properties, lending a bright and resonant tone to musical instruments. But its use here also speaks volumes about industrial processes. The production of brass requires mining and smelting, and its transformation into instruments involves skilled labor: bending, soldering, and polishing. The valves, key to the instrument's versatility, showcase sophisticated metalworking. The exquisite floral ornamentation on the bells is achieved through meticulous engraving. This detail elevates the instrument from a purely functional object to a work of art. Pelitti’s work reminds us that even everyday items embody complex histories of making, skill, and design.