Cecil Forsyth · section 49 of 60

No. 45. The Cuckoo-Instrument

This toy-instrument is one of a somewhat large zoological family which devotes itself to imitating the cries of birds and beasts, generally in outdoor performances.

In construction the " Cuckoo-Instrument" is actually a rudimentary Church-Organ on a very small scale. It consists of two tiny Organpipes made of wood and mounted on a pair of miniature bellows. pipes are stopped, and therefore sound an octave lower than they would if open. The "stop" in each case is a closely fitting plug provided with a knob-handle. This can be pulled out or pushed in at discretion. Consequently, the vibrating air-column can be lengthened or shortened, and this lowers or raises the pitch of the two notes. utmost range possible is from

The natural or country-side cuckoo has been observed to sing anything from a major second

but it is well known that the theatrical variety is a military bird, born and bred in the key of Bo (major or minor)

Humperdinck has employed this instrument in the l'orest scene {Act II.) of Hänsel und Gretel. Here is a short example in which it Harcomesnied by a Muted Horn and two Solo Cellos playing in

Example 203

1 See page 242 for explanation and correct notation.

Beethoven's cuckoo in the Pastoral Symphony has the same notes done by two Bo-Clarinets in unison.

Example 204