Ode to the Ophiclide


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Posted by Phil on March 25, 2001 at 10:40:48:

This was just forwarded to me from a friend in a Millitary Band. I know some of you our there are even doing research on this subject...
Hope it is taken in the fun intended:


THE OPHICLEIDE

The Ophicleide, like mortal sin,
Was fostered by the serpent.
Its pitch was vague; its tone was dim;
Its timbre, rude and burpant.

Composers, in a secret vote,
Declared its sound non grata;
And that's why Wagner never wrote
An Ophicleide Sonata.

Thus spurned, it soon became defunct,
To gross neglect succumbing;
A few were pawned, but most were junked
Or used for indoor plumbing.

And so this ill wind, badly blown,
Has now completely vanished:
I nominate the Heckelphone
To be the next one banished.

Farewell, offensive Ophicleide,
Your epitaph is chiseled:
"I died of ophicleidicide:
I tried, alas, but fizzled!"


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