The trumpet essay

AbstractTrumpet is fairly regarded as one of the oldest instruments in human history.

Its brass tubing and a unique buzzing sound turn the trumpet into the indispensable element of any orchestra. Despite the variations which different types of trumpets display and the differences in sound they tend to produce, it is the trumpet that produces irreversible impact on the quality of music and turns it into the source of intangible impressions. It is difficult to imagine classical music or jazz without a trumpet; in the same manner, it is difficult to imagine a person who does not know what a trumpet is. Out of all musical instruments, it is the trumpet that unites styles and sounds and creates the integrity of senses and perceptions in music. The Trumpet            Trumpet is fairly regarded as one of the oldest instruments in human history. Its brass tubing and a unique buzzing sound turn the trumpet into an indispensable element of any orchestra. Despite the variations which different types of trumpets display and the differences in sound they tend to produce, it is the trumpet that produces irreversible impact on the quality of music and turns it into the source of intangible impressions.

It is difficult to imagine classical music or jazz without a trumpet; in the same manner, it is difficult to imagine a person who does not know what a trumpet is. Out of all musical instruments, it is the trumpet that unites styles and sounds and creates the integrity of senses and perceptions in music.            The trumpet stands out as the means that unites people with music and links different musical expressions into one coherent musical presentation. That is why I chose the trumpet, and apart from the fact that the trumpet can be found in almost any kind of orchestra or band, it is the trumpet that makes each orchestra and each band unique.

The trumpet is the instrument with almost unlimited musical opportunities. In distinction from other instruments, the trumpet is the source of a whole set of sounds and compositions, which are always different and new. One and the same trumpet may produce completely different sounds, depending on the goals of musical presentation, the mood of the player, as well as the needs of audience. It is expressive, emotional, bright, and memorable. It does not matter whether you are an amateur or a professional musician – the trumpet does not leave anyone indifferent. Moreover, the trumpet makes it possible for every listener to find something new and unique in its sounds.

For those who seek to become professionals, the trumpet can be readily used to develop a whole set of playing techniques, from flutter tonguing to vibrato and slip tones. The trumpet covers numerous styles and moods in music, and it is flexible enough to be adjusted and used for specific musical purposes. This flexibility and changeability of moods have also led me to choose the trumpet.            Generally, the trumpet is a musical instrument made of brass in the form of tubing that is bent twice to form a kind of oblong shape. In distinction from other instruments, it is the trumpet’s oblong shape that leads to the development of a unique and recognizable sound. The trumpet is well-known as the instrument, in which the sound is produced by blowing air into its mouthpiece.

The wave of vibration results in a sound, the pitch and duration of which are controlled by the player. It should be noted, that although the trumpets are designed in way to make them match to conventional musical scale, there are the so-called wolf tones that may sound off key. This is characteristic of all trumpets, and to some extent, this feature also contributes into their uniqueness, but the majority of modern trumpets have a special mechanism installed to compromise wolf sounds with the rest of the musical scale.            In a big orchestra or in a small band, the trumpet may either play the role of a lead instrument or that of a soloist.

In full band sections, the trumpet is expected to lead the melody for all musicians and to link them into one integral melody piece. Very often, the trumpet is used to shape the vision of musical harmony and to expand the scope of melodic expression within an orchestra. Certainly, the trumpet enriches music and makes it more visible, perceptible, and tangible. The trumpet makes music easier to understand.

The modern trumpet is usually accompanied by a set of mutes that work to modify its sound depending on the orchestra needs. Altering the sound broadens the scope of the trumpet’s musical functions and makes it applicable and useful almost in any kind of music performance. When used for melodic purposes, the trumpet is usually accompanied by similar instruments, including saxophone. When used for the purposes of harmony, the trumpet is usually tied to cover the upper extensions and creating sophisticated combinations of sounds with trombones and saxophones.