Serpent - Sonata n°1 Op.20 Michel Corrette ( 1707-1795 )

Sonate n°1 - Les Délices de la Solitude
Michel Corrette ( 1707-1795 )
00:00 Fuga
02:18 II. Aria
05:09 III. Allegro

Serpent : Patrick WIBART
Théorbe : Romain Falik
Viole de gambe : Martin Bauer
Clavecin : Marie Van Rihjn
vidéo : Pauline Penicaud
son : Charles Alexandre Englebert

Instrument Serpent made by Stephan Berger ( Switzerland )

Musée de l'Hôtel Dieu - Château Thierry

The "Serpent" is a musical instrument that was invented during the second half of the 16th century in France. In french "Serpent" means "Snake".
Very popular in France it was played in vocal music where it serves to strengthen the bass, but also in instrumental music where it was considered as the real bass of the Cornet. Marin Mersenne writes in 1636 that Cornets without the Serpent are like a "body without soul". Later the Serpent was employed in the orchestra and chamber music while maintaining a religious function as was the case in Versailles. It will be from the second half of the 18th century that it will be played throughout Europe as witnessed by the scores of Haydn or Beethoven. It is from 19em century that it is gradually replaced by the ophicleide then by the tuba. It is interesting to note that it is maintained long enough as evidenced by the parts of Serpent in Rienzi by Richard Wagner or in la symphonie fantastique from Berlioz.
In this video, it is an example of practice as a concert instrument as it possibly was during the 18th century.
Patrick Wibart

#serpent #earlymusic #baroquemusic

[museumofed]

This recording takes the instrument to new heights. I never imagined that I would hear such brilliant playing.

[musicalintentions]

Undoubtedly the best serpent performance I’ve ever heard. It’s amazing how similar the sound is to a modern euphonium.

[isetta]

Must be immensely difficult to find a left handed Theorbo, also this is potentially the best and cleanest Serpent playing I have ever heard, truly amazing

[TheFirstMoominDave]

Bravo! The first time I have ever heard a serpent played in a way that doesn't even hint at the physical struggle underlying the playing of it.

[scruffycritter]

I had no idea what this instrument, often seen in museums, sounded like... now I know and now I wonder why such a lovely sound disappeared.

[kjohannese]

Sweet Jesus, this man is a legend, supported by an ensemble of heroes, thank you so much for playing like this and making it available

[EU-ebxd]

This guy's a genius. Beautiful tone, and it's so damn hard to "get it right" with the serpent. A shame there isn't more written
for it, no doubt because it's so difficult.

[jasonsummit]

This is the best sound i have heard from a serpent horn!👍 Amazing!😁

[spicytubaroll]

I’ve always thought the serpent sounded pretty bad, but this blew my mind. It sounds so warm and joyful, it sounds similar to a euphonium. Outstanding performance

[davidtrainer]

The sound and intonation are superb and demonstrate true mastery of the serpent which must have taken years to perfect. I congratulate Patrick for his dedication to the instrument and for sharing its beautiful sound with us all.

I myself am a euphonium player of 45 years and started playing a synthetic “Harding” serpent only 12 months ago. Even though I consider myself to be an accomplished player of traditional low brass instruments, I can say from experience that playing the serpent is extremely difficult, but highly rewarding. Whenever I feel frustrated by my progress, I turn to the videos and recordings of Wibart and Godard for inspiration – they always pick me up and renew my interest – thank you so much !!

[mycatisabastard]

Never before have I heard a serpent played with such amazing clarity and intonation. This dude makes it soar.

[marceloz]

This musician makes the serpent sound way more beautiful than people realize. If one watches demonstrations of the serpent, they realize that this instrument is challenging to make clear pitches, let alone a tone like this. Patrick Wibart makes the serpent sing in a way that looks easy, kudos to the amount of effort he made to make this challenging instrument work

[johnklatt]

After only having seen one in a photo, I am astonished to hear the tone. What a great job!

[TonyBittner]

Absolutely delightful performance to listen to! I was looking for a video to show my partner the sound of the serpent and this one came up. It's one of my favourites now. I play the renaissance and baroque flutes, so I'm feeling ecstatic right now. 🎼🎶💕

[ericpalacios]

There definitely was something lost in translation when the switch was made from Serpents to the Tuba and Euphonium. This sounds so beautiful in a very unique way.

[MarechalVI]

I've seen so many people trying to play one of these and simply not being able, I genuinely thought it must be impossible. Thank you for proving me wrong, sir.

[stevenottomanyi]

I have never heard the serpent played so wonderfully. ¡Bravísimo!

[topologyrob]

What an extraordinary ensemble - every musician is superb.

[robertlaytham]

Excellent! I had no idea the serpent was so agile!

[davidbjornstad]

I am a euphoniumist, but I have played a serpent for a few minutes after a euph lesson with a professor who plays both (and the ophicleide, but that's a whole 'nother story). Anyway, I can confirm that the serpent is not at all easy to play in tune. If I were listening blind, I would guess that this is a valved instrument of the saxhorn family. Superb playing.