Trivia
The Cimbasso-Popular in Italian Opera
The cimbasso serves as the low-toned instrument of choice in operas written by Verdi and Puccini, who famously disliked the tuba due to its prominent use by their rival Richard Wagner. The cimbasso is shaped like an elongated bass trombone. Keep an eye out for it if you visit the opera.
There are various explanations of where its name comes from. "basso" is plainly the Italian word for "bass," but "cim" is less clear. Some argue that it comes from "cimba," the name of a boat shaped like a bent elbow; others claim that it comes from "corno in basso" (meaning "low-pitched horn"); while still others point to the word "cinq" (five) in reference to the instrument frequently having five valves.

The cimbasso, popular in the operas of Verdi and Puccini
Musical Instrument Guide:Tuba Contents
Origins
Structure
How to Play
How the Instrument is Made
Choosing an Instrument
Trivia
- A Massive Tuba from 100 Years Ago
- Depending on the Country, a Baritone is Not a Baritone
- The Cinbasso-Popular in Italian Opera
- All Brass Instruments Have Marching Band Models
- Famous Musical Pieces for the Tuba (Bass)
- The Compensating System for the Euphonium
- There are Various Mutes for the Tuba
- Ease of Playing Pedal Tones
- Why Are Tubas So Expensive?
- Do Jazz Musicians Play the Tuba?
- Brass Band Songs Featuring the Tuba
- An Instrument in the Key of B♭, Yet the Music is Written in C