Korrosion

Do historical music instruments belong in a museum? Or should playing original instruments today be allowed in performances of old music?

Factsheet

Situation

Under what conditions could one responsibly allow brass instruments to be played like this? How can damage to the instruments – such as corrosion to the inside of the brass tubes – be limited or even avoided altogether?

Course of action

The present interdisciplinary project investigates these questions, using brass instruments such as were played some 100 years ago at the world premiere of Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring in Paris. It brings together expert knowledge from leading Swiss research institutions in the fields of music, the natural sciences, conservation and restoration. The goal is to be able to handle this historical heritage with due care, in a manner that seeks to combine conservation with utilisation.

This project contributes to the following SDGs

  • 12: Responsible consumption and production