B Flat Trumpets vs C Trumpets: Development, National Use, etc - Essay Example

Trumpets B Flat trumpets v C Trumpets Introduction A trumpet is a musical instrument which belongs to the brass family. It is playedby using a closed lip to blow air into it. This causes an air vibration that produces a ‘buzzing’ sound. It is one of the oldest musical instruments in the history of man which traces its origin to the 1,500 BC. After its invention in Egypt, it spread to other regions such the Tibet, Rome and Israel in which it was used for military and religious functions. As time went by, it has been experiencing lots of changes. Today, there are very many types of trumpets; A; B; C; D; E; F; and G. This paper compares B Flat and C trumpets. It does this by giving an-depth and critical analysis of the differences in their history, developments, uses and features. To begin with, I would like to state that these trumpets were invented as a result of the improvements which were always progressively made on the ancient trumpets during each time. With the major turning point during the renaissance period, trumpets later became very popular in different countries. More significantly, their use was changed when they were now regarded as musical instruments which would not only be played by the noble or the clergy, but by any musician who could use it to thrill their enthusiastic fans. Therefore, regarding these trumpets, I would like to say that they came into existence in the 19th century. Unlike C trumpet, B Flat trumpet was invented in Germany in the 1800s. Later, it was adopted and gained popularity in countries like Austria and Prussia reaching other parts of the world. At the same time, C trumpet also traces its origin in the 1800s when it was invented to help in promoting the development of music industry. Its use by musicians greatly impacted on the music industry (Bate 188). Both the B Flat and C trumpets are significant instruments. They are nationally recognized as some of the most important musical instruments in the society. This is because, for a very long time, they have been used in as military, cultural and religious instruments. For instance, in the Ancient Roman Empire, trumpets were used to communicate to the people. Through its terrifying, horrifying and rough sounds, it could be relied upon as very significant tools the communicating important messages to the people. The same position is still being held by trumpets up to date. In the contemporary society, trumpets are still given national value. In many places, B Flat trumpets are used during the wedding ceremonies. Weddings are initiation rites being performed world over. This shows how the trumpet significant the trumpet is to the international community. On the other hand, the C trumpets are used by the military. As modern instrument, it is used by the military personnel during marches. At the same time, it can be used by the drum bungle corps. In terms of usage, I would like to point out that each of these trumpets has a different use. Although they are all brass instruments, they have different purposes in the society. First, B Flat is popular with the musicians, bands, rock and jazz ensembles. Since its invention, it has been used as a very important instrument by the artists who major in the above genres of music. These are areas which greatly depend on the specific toes and pitches reduced by this instrument in order to clearly bring out their rhythms to their fans. Because of this, it has become a very common instrument used in the concerts and shows performed by this class of artists. Thus, it has spread to cover all the corners of the world in which these genres of music are played (Bate 159). On the other hand, C trumpet is mainly used orchestra. This is a class of music in which a series of musical instruments are used as accompaniments. These include the piano, violin and guitar. Whenever orchestra is performed, a c trumpet needs to be used. It produces a sweet melodious tone which can help in creating meaning to the music. Therefore, with the popularity of orchestra bands in the United States of America (USA), C trumpet has become a very important accompaniment in the entire USA. Today, no single orchestra band can perform without it. The same has been witnessed in different parts of the globe in which orchestra music is played. ‘ The other difference between these instruments is that they have different features. Whereas B Flat trumpet is larger, the C trumpet is relatively smaller in size. Besides, the B Flat trumpet can be used to play a wide range of sounds ranging from full-bodied, dark, rich, brilliant ringing tones. Besides, it has a range of F-sharp which enables it to produce a warm sound. Moreover, it has long tubing, a total of three valves and separate lead pipes belonging to each key. This clearly distinguishes it from the other types of trumpets which have different properties as compared to it. However, unlike B Flat, C trumpet is fairly shorter. At the same time, it has a piston and rotary valves which if properly played, help it to produce a sweet sounding lively and brilliant, lighters and clearer soprano sound. Thus, it scan be played by simply using the fingerings. This is the best way through which the instruments can be used to generate a Bb sound and a concert pitch. Finally, these trumpets differ in their usability. Unlike the C trumpet, B Flat trumpet is very easy to play. This justifies why it is recommended for the students and people who are training to play a trumpet. Its long size and other features make it simple to play. Whenever anyone tries to play a trumpet as a beginner, it is appropriate to use this type of trumpet. With this in mind, B Flat trumpet has become a very common trumpet which is popular with many people. Meanwhile, C trumpet is a bit sophisticated and difficult to play. With all its complexities, it can best be played by experienced trumpeters who have a wide knowledge about different features of each trumpet. It is also such knowledgeable people who understand different aspects and secrets on how to successfully play these instruments. For example, C trumpets plays an integral role in various solo works in countries like Canada. To many people, it is believed that such performances require well prepared and experienced artists. Therefore, anyone who wants to train as a trumpeter should consider using B Flat because it is simpler to use as compared to the C trumpet (Bate 217). In conclusion, I would like to concur with the assertion that trumpet has become one of the most popular musical instruments in the world today. With a long and turbulent history, it has managed to develop up to current standards, thanks to people like Widinger of Viena, Fredrick Bluemel and Charles Clogget who transformed it into a modern instrument. Today, there are different types of trumpets. Meanwhile, significant contributions have been made into the music industry by the B Flat and C trumpets. Despite their differences, they still serve as some of the highly regarded instruments whose uses go beyond the theatrical performance to the weddings, church hymnals and military marches. Works Cited Bate, Philip. The Trumpet and Trombone: An Outline of Their History, Development, and Construction. London: Ernest Benn, Read More