12 August 2009

The Evolution of the Trumpet

WASHINGTON - JUNE 15:  Jazz musician Wynton Ma...Image by Getty Images via Daylife

By Jim Samposzi

The trumpet, an instrument belonging to the woodwind or brass family, is built primarily of brass or bronze and has: a mouthpiece, bell, a spit valve, and keys. Trumpets are instruments operating fully chromatic because it consists of three separate keys for tone control. Some can also have a trigger operation to fix bad notes by the use of the three main keys. This line can be initiated while playing the trumpet and the difference is so little that it will be unheard when it is used. The spit valve is helpful for releasing any fluid that has slid into the chambers of the instrument. The history of trumpets is fascinating and they go as far back in time; as far in history as 2000 B.C.

The melody of this instrument are created by the coupling, inclusion, or emulation of the three top keys. The sound generated is achieved through the vibration of your lips as it relates to the mouthpiece and then changed further by the buttons before the sound reaches the horn, or end, of the instrument. The development of combinations of notes and keys became very important to the expansion of certain types of music. Seeing as the finger controls can be adjusted to any tone, all types of music has been known to include a trumpet from time to time.

Trumpets are pitched specifically for the soprano range of tones. This means, the chromatic range of pitches produced are from F sharp down to C - before the clef controls air for treble ranges. Though, the broad range of options for trumpets are not confined to this range; some belt out notes in the G and high C area.

Trumpets, like many pieces of merchandise, come in various styles and types. Some are preferred over others. Furthermore, and due to this range, they vary widely in price. In addition, lots of them have other abilities for pitching that the others do not. A few of the more common types of trumpets are:

Piccolo, Brass, Herald, Natural, Slide and Bronze

This incredible instrument was invented in 2000 B.C. where it was used in religious service. The first styles included objects to create sound, like: a piece of bamboo, or antler, or bone. The bible contains many references to these instruments and they were pulled from in the burial grounds of the historic Egyptian King, Tutankhamen. From the 14th century, makers developed the folded trumpet that resembles the trumpets of modern days where the metal tubing is folded and contoured from bell to lip position. The beginning of these instruments was merely straight and long with a horn on one end and a mouthpiece on the other. When operas were popular, the trumpet was put to the stage in 1607 during a well-known Opera called Orfeo. In time, trumpets were included in military communications but were later developed to play music. In the 19th century, trumpets became the primary instrument for symphony orchestras. Today, the trumpet can be seen in jazz productions, military groups, marching groups, and at times, rock bands.

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