Ophicleide Sheet Music
The ophicleide is a brass instrument similar to the tuba in aspect, and related to the bugle family. It was created in the early 19th century, derived from the serpent, a Renaissance instrument which was considered outdated. In fact it was considered as a keyed version of the serpent ('ophis' = serpent" + 'kleis' keys), and it was widely used during the 19th century, especially by French composers.