Exploring the playing characteristics of early 19th century low brass instruments represents a primarly goal of Berlioz Historical Brass. To this end, BHB commissioned Les Mots de Berlioz by Clifford Bevan as a companion piece to Berlioz's Messe solennelle. This mass, discovered in 1991 by Hugh Macdonald, includes three unique brass instruments—buccin, ophicleide, and serpent. A second composition by Bevan, Mendelssohn's Seasons, was then commissioned as Berlioz Historical Brass began to recognize the significance of building repertoire for early 19th century brass. This vocal work, oriented for choral forces common to Felix Mendelssohn's writing and incorporating text by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, includes a brass quartet of natural horn, trombone, ophicleide, and English bass horn.

In addition, Berlioz Historical Brass has recently commissioned arrangements of sacred and secular works for early 19th century brass.

Messes Royales, Premier Ton, by H. DuMont realized by Peter Wilton according to early 19th century practices of neo-Gallican chant sur le livre for choir with serpent.

Three Marches for Harmoniemusik (c. 1833-34) by F. Mendelssohn arranged by Clifford Bevan for flute, clarinets, bassoon, horns, trumpets, trombone and bass horn.

Divertimento in B flat (St. Antoni Chorale) by F. J. Haydn arranged by Douglas Yeo for two oboes, two horns, three bassoons and serpent

Examples of repertoire include the following historical compositions:

Polonaise for Keyed Bugle and Orchestra by J. Kuffner, 1823

Melodie pour Cor alto et Cor basse avec Piano, L. Dauprat, c. 1820

Military Marches by F. J. Haydn, c. 1795 (harmonie ensemble including horn and serpent)

Military March by L. van Beethoven, 1816 (for band with horn, trumpet, and serpent)

Domine Salvum by N. Roze, c. 1805 (for choir with serpent)

Messe solennelle by H. Berlioz, 1824 (for choir and orchestra with buccin, ophicleide, and serpent)

Examples of repertoire include the following contemporary compositions:

Concerto for Keyed Bugle by Simon Proctor for keyed bugle and orchestra (1994)

Concerto for Serpent by Simon Proctor for serpent and orchestra (1989)

Year of the Serpent by Robert Steadman, concerto for three serpents and chamber orchestra (1989)

Les Mots de Berlioz by Clifford Bevan for choir, buccin, ophicleide, serpent, and bassoon (2000)

Requiem du Chasseur by Lowell Greer for tenor, trompe-de-chasse, and organ (2003)

Mendelssohn's Seasons by Clifford Bevan (words by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) for choir, natural horn, trombone, ophicleide, and bass horn with obbligato serpent (2009)