Trumpet History and Literature Questions

Q: Can you tell me who invented the first trumpet and when?

A: While it is impossible to point to any single person who is responsible for inventing the first trumpet, we can follow some of the details of the evolution of lip-energized instruments. There are examples of prehistoric and primitive trumpets that have been excavated. These were made of hollow branches, bones, animal horns, shells, and plant stems. They were used to frighten away evil spirits and enemies, for signaling purposes, and associated with magical rites. Examples of these instruments still in use today include the dijeridu of the Australian aboriginal tribes and conch shells in the South Pacific.

From the Antiquity time period we have learned of early trumpets from artistic representations, literary references, and surviving specimens. The earliest pictures of trumpets are from a Mesopotamian Temple c. 2700 B.C., while the earliest written accounts talk of a laborer Gilgamish, a Summerian hero from c. 1950 B.C. It was said that he constructed a trumpet of sorts. Finally, the first physical example of a trumpet was found in the tomb of Tutankhamen. The shofar is a good example of an ancient trumpet that is still in use today.

Q: I am a freshman in high school. The choirmaster at church (who has since left) recommended a trumpet book that he referred to as "the trumpeter's bible." I can't remember the exact name, but it sounded like urban, turling, or something like that. Can you help find this book?

A: The book you are referring to was written by J.P. Arban and can be found under the title "Complete Conservatory Method." The edition published by Carl Fischer is edited by Goldman & Smith, while Musser and Mincarelli edited the version published by Alfred. These can be found in any music store that regularly carries music for band & orchestral instruments.

Q: I have been playing the trumpet for almost five years and have a fairly good range (g - c'"). My problem is in finding suitable solo literature to match my abilities. The pieces I have found are either too easy (not enough challenge) or too difficult (too high with hard, syncopated rhythms). How can I find an acceptable solo, and how do I improve enough to be able to handle the range and rhythm requirements of the difficult works?

A: Check out Cindy Thompson Carrell's Solo Review column on the ITG Youth Website. There are many good, standard solos listed that could possibly work for you. A few other pieces you might investigate include the Kennan Sonata, Arutunian Concerto, Bitsch Quatre Variations, Bozza Rustiques, and the Baroque transcriptions (Albinoni, Vivaldi, Veracini