Music and Time Annotation << Back Serpent, Basshorn and Ophicleide in Russian Military Orchestras V.P. Matveychuk The article is devoted to the direct predecessors of the tube – low embouchure wind instruments with a funnel-shaped mouthpiece, holes and vents. The article takes up the history of creation of serpent, basshorn and ophicleide, main features and perfection of these instruments as well. Special attention is given to the study of application of these instruments in the orchestral practice in Russia of the second half of XVIII century – the first half of the XIX century. In particular, the article analyzes the issues of participation of domestic inventors in perfection of copper wind instruments; manufacture and production of wind instruments in Russia during that period; specificity of application of serpent, basshorn and ophicleide in Russian military orchestras; identification of the place and functionality of concerned instruments in remaining scores of combatant and concert repertoire of Russian military orchestras. Keywords: military orchestra, brass music, serpent, basshorn, ophicleide, tuba. Contacts: E-mail: matvejchukvasili@mail.ru Pp. 54-60.