Bass saxhorn in B-flat 1863

Editor: Here we have Adolphe Sax’s bass saxhorn in B-flat, crafted in 1863. The intricate network of brass tubing is captivating! What resonates most with you about this instrument? Curator: What strikes me is its creation amidst profound societal shifts. This saxhorn emerges during France's colonial expansion, a time when European cultural influence was forcibly projected globally. How do you think the instrument's purpose—to project sound, to be heard—intersects with this historical moment? Does the physical projection of sound mirror the projection of power and influence abroad? Editor: That’s…a lot to think about! I hadn't considered the instrument as a symbol of power, but I see your point. So, the act of music-making becomes an assertion of cultural dominance? Curator: Precisely. Music wasn't simply entertainment. It was—and still is—a tool. The saxhorn's development coincides with the rise of military bands, projecting not only martial music, but also French cultural identity into newly conquered territories. Also consider the material itself - brass - and its connection to industry and military might. Do you think its shiny surface hints at ideas of display, and even perhaps superiority? Editor: That makes so much sense. I see how an object like this can be so much more than just a musical instrument. Curator: These instruments helped define a particular soundscape, and simultaneously defined who belonged and who didn't. Now that you see it in this context, what other thoughts or questions does the saxhorn evoke for you? Editor: Now I'm curious to learn more about the experiences of those who were on the receiving end of those sounds, both musically and politically. This has definitely changed my perspective. Thanks. Curator: Mine as well. Looking closely and actively questioning deepens our understanding and our engagement with the past and present.