Helicon

Helicon [Gk. helikos, coiled] (Fr.: hélicon; Ger.: Helikon; It.: helicon, elicon), 1. large bass tuba built in circular form for convenience in carrying, first used in Russia (by 1845), according to Wilhelm Wieprecht. In 1849 Ignaz Stowasser of Vienna started making helicons to Wieprecht's specifications, for military band use. The bell rested on the player's left shoulder, the tube passing under his right arm. Higher-pitched instrs. were occasionally built in this shape also, but it was the…