The trumpet, as many know, is one of the most popular instruments known to man. Best known for their role in pop music, jazz, and swing pieces, the trumpet has certainly endured the test of time, as this widespread instrument was developed centuries ago. Today, we are going to be narrowing in on a slightly more specific type of trumpet, commonly known as the rotary trumpet. The trumpet is a universal instrument, as it is able to be played in artistic musical groups, as well as modern day pop music. The rotary trumpet has gained the most recognition from areas of Germany and Eastern Europe, but as many may have recognized, it is enjoyed throughout the globe.
The rotary trumpet was actually created following the invention of the standard trumpet. It also is at times referred to as the German trumpet. The invention of the rotary valve was revolutionary and allowed for such a new type of trumpet to be developed. Josef Kail and Joseph Reidl were responsible for making the rotary valves and obtained the patent for them in 1835. Many people believe that the rotary valves were inspired by tapping on kegs. Soon after the rotary valves were invented, the rotary trumpet quickly became one of the most popular types of trumpets in Eastern Europe. The rotary trumpet was and still is extremely popular in Austria and Germany. Rotary trumpets are not instruments of the past and are considered more contemporary. They are growing in popularity as many professional orchestras are requiring trumpet players to play parts of auditions on the rotary trumpet. Furthermore, many jazz musicians have begun to see potential in the instrument as they believe it would complement jazz music efficiently.
The trumpet differs from the classic piston trumpet in that it has its valves on the side of the instrument, trailing off of a lead pipe. It has four valves, contrary to the standard trumpets’ three, but otherwise it is actually very similar in structure. Rotary trumpets, however, are often used in a more harmonious ensemble setting. Because of its structure it has a more broad and mellow tone that allows it to blend better in orchestras and other musical groups.
The rotary trumpet is often directly compared to the piston trumpet, which happens to be the trumpet that most are familiar with. The rotary trumpet is known to have a warmer and darker sound than the bright sound that the piston trumpet plays. Using the rotary trumpet, it proves to be more difficult to produce a fiery tone, due to the naturally dark sound. This tone also makes it harder to get a sharp articulation when tonguing notes on the instrument, especially if one is more accustomed to playing a piston trumpet.
The primary difference in the rotary trumpet, compared to the other types, is due to the method in which it is played. The rotary trumpet is played through a component of the instrument known as the rotary valves. These pieces are rotated 90 degrees. Once they are pressed, the airflow of the rotary trumpet will become redirected, and will go through a longer set of tubes leading to a lowering in pitch. This unique instrument is played similar to the way that the french horn is played, as it has similar valves. However, more standard trumpets are played with piston valves, which also tend to be easier to grasp. An instrument is chosen completely based on the musician’s preferences, and the rotary trumpet is a perfect musical representation of that.
Works Cited
Green, David H. "A Player's Guide to Rotary Valve Trumpets." aswltd, Antique Sound Workshop, aswltd.com/rotary.htm. Accessed 4 Feb. 2022.
Jessen, Sarah. "Sarah Jessen explains Rotary Trumpets." Curtis Institute of Music, www.curtis.edu/news-folder/spring-2019/sarah-jessen/. Accessed 4 Feb. 2022. Interview.