Complete Encyclopaedia of Music/A/Avena

by John Weeks Moore

Avena. (L.) An oaten straw. This reed, as supposed, was the third kind of musical instrument used by the ancients, and succeeded that formed of the horns of quadrupeds. The first was a shell : so simple was the origin of music ! To such artless beginnings do we trace its counterpoint, fugue, double fugue, pealing choruses, melting airs, exalting grandeur, thrilling sweetness, and all its magic power over our passions.