The Trumpet Click here to listen to the trumpet (RealAudio file) The trumpet's majestic sound has for many years been used to illustrate battles and general 'finality' and judgement. It has existed alongside the cornet, a smaller version of the trumpet, though the latter's tone is somewhat less noble and has not been a regular part of the symphony orchestra. The modern trumpet has a compass of about three octaves, and is usually pitched in B flat or A (although some in C and F are still played). Other members of the trumpet family include the bass trumpet, clarino trumpet (used to play the upper parts in Baroque music), and the sopranino trumpet. Next instrument - the Trombone Previous instrument - the Horn Back to the Orchestra construction of the trumpet Shape and components: The trumpet's brilliant tone is due to the narrow bore and the fact that it is cylindrical, unlike the French horn, and only conical towards the outer end. The brass tube is wrapped into a rounded rectangular shape. The bore widens into a bell, smaller than that of the French horn, but hand-stopped notes cannot be produced due to the larger distance between the bell and player. Sound production: The mouthpiece is cup-shaped and the lips, like all brass instruments, act as the reed. Three piston-type valves are used by the right hand and the instrument also has a water key. A pear-shaped mute can be used to alter the pitch.