Artist/Maker

Unknown

Place Made

Date Made

Circa 1830-1850

Medium

darkwood of unknown species

Dimensions

LOA 13 5/8

Accession Number

2072

Description

The Musette, also known as “musette de Poitou” (New Grove Dictionary of Music, Vol 12) is a musical instrument similar to that of the oboe, only smaller. It is also known as a small bag pipe, a 19th century decadent type of oboe. The bell section has two holes and the middle section has six keys and seven holes; two sections have been preserved; the mouthpiece is missing; the keys and trim ring are nickel-silver.

History

The Musette was a small bagpipe most often played without the bag, and is also known as a (parlor or amateur’s) oboe. It appeared in the 17th and early 18th centuries and was sold up to the 1930s. This particular item is considered late-nineteenth century and is most likely of French origin. “The musette is the original instrument of the bal-musette, French country dancing.” (Pressley, p.69)

Credit Line

On loan by the Moravian Music Foundation