Trumpet Musical Instrument

History and Facts about "Trumpet Musical Instrument". The Trumpet Musical Instrument 14th-15th Century
The earliest signs of the trumpet date as far back as 1500 BC. Bronze "lurs" from Scandinavia, and metal horns from China are known to be from this time period. Early trumpets were used for religious and military purposes rather than the more modern uses. The trumpet acquired its folded form. It was referred to as natural trumpet and produced "harmonic" tones. Also, the tromba da tirarsi emerged, an instrument that was fitted with a single slide on the mouth pipe to create a chromatic scale.

16th Century
The trumpet was used both in courtly and military purposes. Also, during this period, trumpet making became popular in Germany. Before the end of this period, the use of the trumpet for musical works began. At first the low register of the trumpet was used then later on musicians began to utilize the higher pitches of the harmonic series.
The design of the trumpet began to improve around the Renaissance era. Trumpets of this time consisted of a single tube, so changing notes involved changing out parts of the horn itself.

17th-18th Century
The trumpet was at its height and was used by famous composers such as Leopold (Mozart's father) and Michael (Haydn's brother) in their musical works. The trumpet of this time were in the key of D or C when used for courtly purposes and in the key of Eb or F when used by the military. Musicians of this period played specifically in different registers. Notably, in 1814, the valves were added to the trumpet to enable it to play the chromatic scale evenly.
19th Century
The trumpet of this time was in the key of F and contained crooks for lower registers. The trumpet was well known as an orchestral instrument at this point. Later on, the crooks were replaced with valves in order to provide more efficient chromatic abilities. The size of the trumpet also changed around this time making the instrument louder. Additional improvements made the trumpet easier to play as well.