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 to hold a trumpet
Sometimes visuals are better than words! This YouTube video explains all you need to know about how to hold a trumpet.
How do you play it?
The sound of the trumpet is generated directly by the player’s body. The lips, equivalent to a singer’s vocal chords, vibrate to produce pitch, controlled by the facial muscles.
A steady stream of air, diaphragm-controlled, carries these vibrations into the instrument.
The tongue, articulating consonants as in speech, lends definition, the mouthpiece focus and the trumpet, amplification.
The different parts of the trumpet
A) The bell: Flare and thickness is important for sound quality
B) Main tuning slide: Usually pulled out between 1/2″ and 1 “
C) Side trigger: Adjusts the third valve for fine intonation
D) The leadpipe: Important for production of high register; for degree of brilliance of sound
E) The mouthpiece: Rim – must be comfortable on lips. Cup – depth and shape determine a bright or dark sound. Throat size – determines freedom of blow. Backbore – determines intonation and upper register freedom
F) The bow: Important for intonation
G) Second Piston: Pistons are depressed to alter pitch
H) Waterkey: lets out condensation of players breath
Different types of trumpet
B flat trumpet
Standard orchestral instrument
C trumpet
Common alternative to the B flat trumpet, especially in Tchaikovsky and Britten. Produces a more strident sound.
D trumpet
Commonly used for Baroque trumpet parts, but sometimes specified by more modern composers like Ravel in Bolero
E flat trumpet
Modern instrument generally used for the Haydn and Hummel concertos. Can be used orchestrally for greater security in the hight range.
B flat/A piccolo trumpet
Used for the higher Baroque parts, including the Brandenburg Concerto No. 2
Bass trumpet
Introduced to the orchestra by Wagner. Also used by composers such as Strauss and Stravinsky. Due to size of the mouthpiece it is usually played by trombonists.
Rotary valve trumpet
Developed in Germany in 19th century. Increasingly used in other countries for mainstream German repertoire.
Herald trumpet
This is a longer than a standard trumpet designed not only to play fanfares but also so it can hold ceremonial banners.
What kind of mute do you need?
Mutes are used in brass instruments to change the volume and timbre, and they fit directly into the bell of the trumpet. The most common types of mutes for trumpets are the straight mute, cup mute, harmon mute, plunger mute, bucket mute, and silencer or practice mute.
How much does a trumpet cost?
Prices for a decent trumpet usually start at £400 for beginners, while professionals can pay several thousands of pounds or more for their instruments.
Good trumpet makes include Yamaha and Bach
Where does the trumpet sit in the orchestra?
The trumpets tend to sit close to the timpani, in front of the trombones.