History of the Trumpet Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

History of the Trumpet - Thesis Example The trumpet is often referred to in two different time frames, one before the 1700s and one after this time frame. Before the 1700s, the trumpet used natural tuning. Instead of having keys or ways to move between notes, all of the sounds were made with the embouchure of the player. The trumpet was limited to specific tones and sounds, most which were based on an interval of two to three spaces, specifically which coincided with the harmonic series used by the trumpet. The size of the instrument as well as the placement of the brass would change which tones were heard and which could be altered with the trumpet. The other tones which were used came as passing notes and occurred only when the trumpet player could slide between notes (Brownlow, 1996). The tuning of the trumpet and the natural sound which it carried caused the trumpet to hold a specific place in society. It was used mostly for solo concepts. The louder sound which was provided from the shape of the trumpet as well as the materials used created one aspect of using it for solo purposes. The natural tuning, which often didn’t match with other types of tuning, also presented problems if playing with other instruments. These two considerations led to the instrument being used with solo pieces. It was considered a way to make announcements among royalty and others in society. It was also referenced in Biblical and church components, such as when the trumpet would sound from the angels. This showed the instrument as a way to make announcements.... Before the 1700s, the trumpet used natural tuning. Instead of having keys or ways to move between notes, all of the sounds were made with the embouchure of the player. The trumpet was limited to specific tones and sounds, most which were based on an interval of two to three spaces, specifically which coincided with the harmonic series used by the trumpet. The size of the instrument as well as the placement of the brass would change which tones were heard and which could be altered with the trumpet. The other tones which were used came as passing notes and occurred only when the trumpet player could slide between notes (Brownlow, 1996). The tuning of the trumpet and the natural sound which it carried caused the trumpet to hold a specific place in society. It was used mostly for solo concepts. The louder sound which was provided from the shape of the trumpet as well as the materials used created one aspect of using it for solo purposes. The natural tuning, which often didn’t mat ch with other types of tuning, also presented problems if playing with other instruments. These two considerations led to the instrument being used with solo pieces. It was considered a way to make announcements among royalty and others in society. It was also referenced in Biblical and church components, such as when the trumpet would sound from the angels. This showed the instrument as a way to make announcements, to grab attention and to work as a way to add melody into a situation where no other music was heard (Noble, 2004). It wasn’t until the 1700s that composers involved in music began to change the arrangements and basic approaches to music. During this time, the composers became interested in the Well – Tempered tuning. This used a chromatic