Ivory Cornettino

Cornettino made in Southern Germany, ca. 1600 (NMM 6200). This rare ivory cornettino bears a close resemblance to the 'Klein Diskant Zink' described by Michael Praetorius in his 'Syntagma Musicum' (1619-1620). During Praetorius' time, cornettini were used primarily to accompany voices in sacred vocal music, usually playing along in unison (but an octave higher) than the voices. The octagonal body of this cornettino is carved from ivory and features stag horn mounts at each end. There are six fingerholes on the front and one thumb hole on the back. Unlike woodwind instruments of the same period, such as the recorder, the cornettino is played with a cup-shaped mouthpiece similar to those used on brass instruments.