Side Drum
This brass shell drum was certainly a military instrument that would have been used to signal troops in the field and to provide cadences for a marching army. The drum would have been worn on a sling to a player's side, and played with two large sticks. Across the bottom head are two cords—consisting of a single piece of twisted gut—that rattle against the head when the drum is played, giving the drum its characteristic "buzzy" sound. A pair of eighteenth century drumsticks survive with this side drum.
Technical description: Brass (or copper alloy) shell, soldered seam. Shell decorated with a large metal cartouche with royal and military symbols including a crown, swords, banners, shields, and the initials of Frederick August 1, "The Strong," Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (1694-1733). Rope tension, originally with ten leather tugs (eight remain). Wooden counter hoops painted with diagonal stripes alternating blue and gold (city colors of Dresden) with a thin line of white between. Ten drilled holes in each counter hoop through which the rope passes. Brass, j-hook snare adjuster mounted vertically, parallel to the shell. Calfskin heads. Two gut snares held in place opposite the strainer by the counter hoop. (Jayson Kerr Dobney 2003)
Artwork Details
- Title: Side Drum
- Date: 1694–1733
- Geography: Dresden, Germany
- Culture: German
- Medium: Copper alloy, wood, various materials
- Dimensions: Height: 23 3/4 in. (60.4 cm)
Depth: 20 7/8 in. (53.1 cm) - Classification: Membranophone-double-headed / cylindrical drum
- Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
- Object Number: 14.25.1618
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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