The Soundboard

[CodeMonkey]

I've been wondering this since I started reading the forum about a month ago. I see a lot of talk about C trumpets, and from what I gather, they are most often used in symphonic and orchestral ensembles. Why is this? Is the music just written in the key of C, or what is it about the horn that makes it more fitting? Just curious, I'm sure I'm not the first to wonder this. =)

[ksievers]

this answer could be a doctoral thesis I suppose, but the short version is:

it has little to do with the key. we are all fluent transposers at this level (although E transpo on Bb is a brain sprainer, easy on the C). The C sound tends to blend better (arguably) with the strings' overtones, they can be more responsive for the delicate stuff, more "regal" for the loud stuff (arguable too) and especially in the US have simply become the preference.

there are many exceptions of course.

overseas the Bb often enjoys primacy to this day, and in England the 4 valve Eb is very popular, esp for the principal player. Easier to be accurate up top, and the 4th valve gives you the low notes too.

So, it's "whatever works," which of course DOES involve personal preference, biases, and what becomes tradition and/or expected.

Generally, I DO feel more comfortable on C in the orchestra.

the flip side is, I COULD play C in a big band but it's the wrong blow and the wrong sound.. is that to say you can't play "legit" on a Bb? No.. it is very versatile and really can do anything.

When it's "brass alone" I would also argue that even in a legit setting Bb is a better blend and better sound, but in the orchestra in toto, C is it for me in most cases..

In quintet we flip/flop a lot. Check out "OU Brass Quintet" on YouTube and you'll see. My silver horn is the Philly C, the gold one is my Bb. You can hear the subtle differences. Esp. on the Plog piece vs. the Boehme.
_________________
Karl Sievers, DMA. Professor, School of Music, University of Oklahoma; Principal Trumpet, Oklahoma City Philharmonic; Bach Artist/Clinician; General Manager, National Trumpet Competition

[djfinton]

Interesting to hear of the blend consideration. So what do you think about playing in a church orchestra with choir? Would you say that the C blends better with the voices? Or Bb? Or even cornet?

[ksievers]

it mostly depends on YOU; the sound you get. 2ndary to that would be the rest of the context, who you are playing with, the organ, etc.. and overall a good sound is a good sound, so it's a mistake to magnify the difference.
_________________
Karl Sievers, DMA. Professor, School of Music, University of Oklahoma; Principal Trumpet, Oklahoma City Philharmonic; Bach Artist/Clinician; General Manager, National Trumpet Competition