Mus. [as if Lat., f. Gr. εὔφων-ος: see EUPHONY.] ‘A name given to the bass instrument of the Saxhorn family, usually tuned in B♭ or C. It only differs from the barytone Saxhorn in the larger diameter of its bore, which thus produces a longer and somewhat deeper quality of tone’ (Grove). Also attrib.
1865. Reader, No. 139. 244/2. The bass duet … upon a couple of euphoniums.
1879. Stainer, Music of Bible, 27. The construction of a harmonium … accordion, or euphonium.
1888. Daily News, 3 Sept., 3/3. The death is also announced of the popular euphonium player Mr. A. J. Phasey, who indeed was practically the inventor of that sonorous instrument.
