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
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
Humperdinck. Hänsel und Greter. In the distance, behind the scenes.
Playable Books
