As stated by Grove, octavin is listed as a synonym of ottavina by Venetian builders which date back from 1790. What does it look like? The odd shape of the octavin singles it out from the others. Like a bassoon it is somewhat folded and has two parallel straight bores attached at the underside. This structure is fitted for a bassoon because it becomes very long when straightened out but it is actually very peculiar for an instrument that is soprano-sized. It often does not need any accompanying instrument because the performer could play music on keys using the right hand and the accompaniment which has pre-set and bass chord buttons using the left hand. Air flow through reeds is generated by expansion and compression of the accordions bellows. A keyboard or a set of buttons handles which reeds will accept air flow which produces the tones. One reed is sharper and one is a bit flat which creates the tremolo effect when vibrating together. Harmonica care Do not eat or drink while playing your harmonica and clean your mouth thoroughly before playing. Gently tap the harmonica every after playing to remove excess saliva and keep it in a box or case when not in use to avoid accumulation of dirt. Use of the Castanets Castanets are dominant in music for dances in the baroque period. These were score for dancing music by composers such as Jean-Baptiste Lully. They were also often used for dances about unpleasant ideas such as nightmares or demons. It was also mentioned in the Lully s ballet Flore in 1669 that castanets were also used for African Dances. Pressing a key raises the designated plectrum on another end. The string is plucked by this and this turns so it does not make contact with the string downwards. History The harpsichord was invented in the Middle Ages. In Italy, harpsichord makers made lightweight versions with little string tension but the harpsichords were made with a heavier construction by the Ruckers family in the late 1500's. History The snare drum is a descendant of the Tabor, a medieval drum with one gut snare stretched at the bottom. Its first use was in war and it was frequently accompanied by a pipe or fife. The snare drum became larger and cylindrical in the 15th century. This was widely used by the Swiss mercenaries.