If you’ve ever wanted to know how things sounded when Pompeii was a bustling city, you’re in luck. While excavating the ruins of Pompeii scientists notably found two Cornu de Pompeii horns. The Cornu de Pompeii was an ancient Roman brass instrument about 3 m long and formed in the shape of a letter ‘G’. Braced by a crossbar that stiffened the structure, it provided a means of supporting its weight on the player’s shoulder.
It was invented by the Etruscans for use in their funeral processions and military. Once you hear the replica play you’ll understand why they were used for such events. The solemnly sad sound of the horn leaves us a haunting reminder of what may have been playing at the time of the famous Pompeii eruption. Much like the musicians that were on the Titanic played as the ship sank, I can imagine that those in other hopeless situations would do the same.
This footage presents musician, Abraham Cupeiro, skillfully playing the Cornu de Pompeii – an authentic replica. Both Cupeiro and María Ruíz meticulously reconstructed this historical instrument, infusing new life into a piece of the past.
Sounds like something Hans Zimmer should be using in his upcoming “Gladiator 2” score, honestly.
