Weird News: Roman Instrument Resurrected from Dead
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
There's a great deal of strangeness in the lately resurrected Lituus. Its scientific resurrection after centuries of oblivion, the haunting sounds it produces, and the imaginative power of envisioning this long horn piping out its melodies in a Medieval cathedral or amongst the imperial throngs of the Caesars are all weird aspects. Though unlike most discoveries and historic resurrections with a somewhat macabre overtone, the return of the legendary Lituus is really quite remarkable and beautiful. Lovers of classic music will rejoice at the BBC link below, as the article contains a clip featuring the instrument in action.
That's not to say it has no darker applications. It's not difficult to imagine the trumpet-like shafts lining the strangest Boschian visions, or blaring in the background of Azathoth's cosmic idiot chorus.
