By BBC Music Magazine

Published: Monday, 07 November 2022 at 12:00 am


Famous for the fanfare, the trumpet can evoke stereotypical images: the collapse of the walls of Jericho, the heraldic announcement and the calls to arms on the one hand and notions of heroism, wealth and power on the other.

However, from the Renaissance era onwards, the trumpet’s warlike attributes underwent subtle changes. It is now a modern instrument capable of extreme contrasts, and of mood swings from the softest lullaby to sudden violent outbursts.

What is a trumpet?

The trumpet is a brass wind instrument, which is similar to a cornet – find out how a trumpet differs to a cornet. It is the  highest voiced brass instrument in symphony orchestras and jazz bands or ensembles. The trumpet has three valves that determine the pitch of notes.

How old is the trumpet? When were they invented?

Early man fashioned trumpets from animal horn, wood and metal. Development of this natural trumpet peaked with mid-18th century virtuosos who could produce up to 24 notes from their single, valveless trumpet tube.

The Industrial Revolution spawned a mechanical trumpet (c.1816). Soon, completely chromatic trumpets, with three valves giving access to seven interlocking tubes, were the norm.

Later trumpet technology refined this basic design, producing easier high notes and a ‘bigger’ sound with a more sophisticated instrument.

 

How to hold a trumpet