Trumpet
Brass orchestral and jazz instrument
Ancient World / Europe · Europe
About trumpet
Sound and Character
About the Sound and Character
The trumpet sound is bright, brilliant, triumphal, piercing, and powerful. Using specialized mutes inserted into the bell, the sound can be rendered mysterious, “crying,” nasal, or muted and velvety.
Structure and Features
A cylindrical looped brass tube featuring a cup-shaped mouthpiece and three valves (keys) that alter the length of the air column.
Genres
- Symphony and wind orchestras
- Jazz (all styles from big bands to modal jazz)
- Pop, rock, funk, and Latin American music