A cimbasso is a brass instrument that belongs to the family of low brass instruments such as the tuba and trombone. It is particularly well known for its use in 19th-century Italian opera, most notably in the works of Giuseppe Verdi. The name "Cimbasso" probably derives from "Corno im Basso", which means "horn in the depths".
 
The cimbasso has a deep, resonant sound. The construction of the cimbasso resembles a combination of tuba and trombone, with the mouthpiece resembling a tuba mouthpiece and the sound body a trombone body. There are both upright and recumbent variations of the cimbasso, but the upright model is the most common today.
 
The cimbasso is rarely used in modern music, but is occasionally used in film music and for special effects in symphonic works. In some cases, the instrument IS also used in modern operatic productions to ensure historical authenticity. Some well-known jazz musicians also use a cimbasso.