Trumpet Facts
15 Interesting Facts About The Trumpet
An age-old and versatile instrument, the trumpet is remarkably powerful during an up-close experience; whether it’s part of a small brass ensemble or takes on grand roles in Jazz and Classical music, it commands attention. Undoubtedly one of the most ancient instruments ever created, the trumpet captivates regardless of how it is played.
1. Is It Two Blasts For Attack?
Evidence of early trumpets exists from the late Bronze Age. In a toneless and basic form, the trumpet was used to communicate during conflict or daily errands. Initially, it was not used to create music but was important for everyday life with examples of similar versions found throughout the world.
2. I Love Trump
The word ‘trump’ has huge meaning in our current political climate. It’s also the first word commonly used in English to describe the trumpet. This comes from the French word ‘Trompe’, which describes a ‘wind-instrument’. No irony there. Ted’s List is a politically unaffiliated organisation.
3. Motorboat
Like the bugle, trumpets produce notes primarily on how the player’s lips vibrate when blowing into the valve (tubular resonator). The slower the vibration the lower the notes, the faster the vibration the higher the notes. Buzzing your lips is the key!
4. I Know All The Notes
A part of the aerophone family, modern trumpets were first produced in Paris in the mid 19th century. Constructed of brass, their manufacture was made in greater scale in Britain and the USA. The ‘key’ design change in trumpets was the addition of keys and valves. This helped to produce all the necessary notes, increasing the usefulness and popularity of the instrument.
5. Mine’s 1.8 Metres Long
The modern trumpet consists of components like the bell, finger hook, mouthpiece and piston valves. These are all set along the line of tubing. The tubing of the trumpet is surprisingly long, given the compact size of the instrument; around 1.8 metres in length. This of course is due to its folded form.
6. What A Wonderful World
High up on the list of great jazz trumpet players, Louis Armstrong was raised in America at the start of the 20th century. In his early life, Louis lived in poor conditions but was fortunate enough to work for a Jewish family who showed him great respect. Their kindness and generosity allowed him to first discover music. During his career, he had many nicknames such as ‘Satchmo’ and produced five decades of wonderful jazz in a range of instruments, including the trumpet.
7. You Can Bach Up My Tree
Take a piece from composers Bach and Vivaldi, published in 1711 and originally performed on the organ; this is now commonly performed with piano and trumpet, giving a great classic example of its audible power.
8. This Price Is Making Me Dizzy
Another of the great trumpet players Dizzy Gillespie had his iconic instrument with a damaged bell. This was the most expensive trumpet ever sold on the second-hand market, costing \$55,000. The most expensive ‘manufactured’ trumpet was Yamaha’s solid platinum version, which as you’ve guessed, is made of platinum! This would have set you back $185,000. They didn’t sell many. Yamaha do, however, sell many more conventionally expensive trumpets such as their Xeno Artist Model, at around $5,000 (£4,400).
