Over the years the Rev. Dr. Bernoulli gathered great knowledge of even the smallest details of historical brass instruments and, moreover, was endowed with a phenomenal memory. It is to him, my great mentor and friend, that I owe most of my knowledge of brass instruments.
As a Protestant parson, the Rev. Dr. Bernoulli directed the international nursing Brotherhood of the Diaconate. As a humanist and true Christian, he did not only preach neighbourly love but also practised it. Moreover, he was blessed with a marvellous sense of humor which increased the admiration, joy and friendship of the many visitors that were received with warm hospitality by the Reverend and Mrs. Bernoulli.
We, who have known the Rev. Dr. Bernoulli, shall never forget him.
The deceased left his collection to the Historical Museum Basel.
Emilie Mende
Earliest instrument: “Harsthorn” (Swiss war horn). Lucerne, 1455.
First instrument of the collection: Four-key posthorn. Anonymous maker, circa 1810.