The keyed bugle

"We don't develop in a box", says Steve Dillon, referring to international music connections during the 19th century.

The keyed bugle was invented in Ireland in 1810, around the same time as valves for brass instruments, and with the same intention: to allow chromatic playing on an instrument that otherwise would be limited to only natural overtones. The keyed bugle - and its big brother, the ophicleide - caught on rapidly all over the world, but innovation in valved instruments developed just as fast. By 1850, very few players were left playing keyed brass instruments.