Anneke Scott on Bernhard Müller, Gebrüder Alexander, and Frank de Polis mutes

[@RobertHarŕisonn]

Knopf built comp.Bb/F in 1870's.4 port valves. Alex big break was 6 ports.

[@stevebarkovich875]

Frank Depolis was my uncle. I am looking for a Depolis mute.

[@AnnekeScott]

Wow! How exciting! I was lucky to pick mine up on eBay - keep your eyes open and good luck!

[@lotsabirds]

I was curious about the scarcity of de polis mutes. I've only seen one other. Are they rare?

[@AnnekeScott]

Excellent question Bill. Difficult to say. I've been quietly trying to collect up "old style" mutes - I think in some quarters it's been seen that more recent mute designs are considered sonically "better" - they respond more evenly and predictably over a greater range (and by range I mean in terms of tessiatura, dynamics, articulation - everything really). So many people have jettisoned mutes that they might have had earlier in their careers. But often I think they make quite haunting colours and I'm interested to experiment with them as they offer an alternative insight into the timbres composers may have expected/anticipated. I've not seen that many De Polis mutes come up, I wonder whether many have just been chucked away in favour of more modern mutes or whether they're just gathering dust in practice rooms. There's loads more about mutes and De Polis here if you're interested in more: www.hornsmith.net/horn_mute.html

[@lotsabirds]

@@AnnekeScott Thank you for your fabulous response. Forgive me for not responding sooner. I always forget that youtube does not give me a notice when a reply is added. I was able to obtain a de polis mute that is in excellent condition. I had heard of them but never saw another since your video. I collect various older brass pieces and their accessories. I am going to try the mute in an Eb Alto horn. I too truly enjoy older instruments. Thank again!

[@AnnekeScott]

@@lotsabirds No need to apologise! Congratulations on the de polis mute! They're rather nice I find!

[@lotsabirds]

@@AnnekeScott it Actually fits nicely in a cg conn alto horn. It works too. Thank you!

[@AnnekeScott]

@@lotsabirds Result!

[@imbad207]

I will one day play an Alex 103. For now I'll stick with my H177 being a broke college student lol.

[@avrumgolub2735]

John Barrows played a H-177 in addition to his Schmidt.

[@JimRhem]

I've played his Nocturno . . not as nice as this piece, but nice.

[@drzaeus5624]

What an irritating “personality”

[@freeman3320]

Do you have a problem with a woman who presents herself as a mature person who is obviously well educated and does not need to apologize to you for anything. On behalf of "Dr. Zaeus', I apologize for his rude remark.