Picture this: You are in beautiful Switzerland surrounded by the mountains and
you hear a distinct sound coming from afar. You are probably hearing the sound
of an alphorn - the most famous musical instrument in this country.
Alphorns have been around as far back as 500 years ago, initially used as a
means of communication among the Swiss. In modern times, the alphorn has been
converted as a musical instrument, being used in both orchestra and solo
performances.
Anatomy
An alphorn consists of a wooden horn, a conical bore, a cup-shaped lead pipe or
mouthpiece, and curved bells. Typically, an alphorn is carved from solid wood
and has no lateral opening. It can measure up to 10 meters in length, making it
a local attraction for visitors.
Kinds
? Grada buchel alphorn - this is made from the trunk of a fir tree. It is
usually straight and hollow with a wide, curved bell at the end and produces a
soft and smooth sound. These types are wrapped in birch bark for durability and
protection....

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