MI:
LIBRARY:
INSTRUMENTS:
BRASS:
CORNET
History
The cornet was developed in the
1820’s. It was invented by Jean-Louis Atoine. Since then, the cornet
underwent many design changes including “The Pocket Cornet” from the late
1800’s. It’s tube was coiled tight enough to fit in a shoulder bag.
Description
Cornets are brass instruments and
are considered to have a sweeter tone than the trumpet. A virtuoso can play
notes as high as the piccolo’s upper register. It has an uncanny ability to
take some of the most difficult passages and make nothing of them.
Cornets can be found in bands and jazz ensembles, even orchestras. In jazz they
will often lead the band improvising as they go. In bands they also seem to lead
the group during a solo and have no trouble standing out.
Cornet Variations
Bugle:
The bugle can only play a very limited number of notes. Because it doesn’t use
valves, the musician must change pitch entirely with varying his lips and air
pressure. It is made of copper or brass and a common military instrument.
Flugelhorn:
This “sophisticated bugle” has valves and a softer tone than the trumpet. It
is popular in Europe and in jazz bands as a second instrument for trumpeters
longing a softer tone.
Post horn:
The post horn is like the bugle in that it is played entirely by varying air
pressure and lip formation. It is made of brass and can be found in a variety of
shapes, with a limited range.
