"Bach trumpet, nominal pitch: A"

Bach trumpet, nominal pitch: A | Boosey & Co | 1909

Bach trumpet, nominal pitch: A thumbnail 2

Bach trumpet, nominal pitch: A thumbnail 3

Bach trumpet, nominal pitch: A thumbnail 4

Bach trumpet, nominal pitch: A thumbnail 5

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This impressive trumpet is often called a ‘Fanfare’ trumpet or ‘Bach’ trumpet and its name suggests its use. Due to its showy appearance, this type of trumpet is mostly used for ceremonial events such as parades and to play fanfares. They were also popular for playing Baroque music, like that written by Bach. Built for the performance of Bach, Handel etc.

Valve trumpet

Boosey & Co

London

Europe

England

United Kingdom

Instrument Data

Instrument Information

Title

Bach trumpet, nominal pitch: A

Accession Number

0843

Collection

MIMEd; C.H. Brackenbury Memorial Collection

Date Information

Date Made

1909

Period

20th century; 1900s

Gallery Information

Gallery

Wolfson Gallery

Case

Brasswind case 3

Maker Information

Maker Name

Boosey & Co

Maker Biography

Boosey and Co (c1816), later known as Boosey and Hawkes (c1930) was an English music publishing and instrument manufacturing firm that specialized in wind instruments and flutes. In 1868 the firm purchased the business of Henry Distin, a brass instrument maker known for his compensating valves. By the end of the 19th century the firm began to focus their publishing efforts on ballads and educational music. In 1930 the firm joined with Hawkes & Son, a publishing company specializing in brass and military band music. Currently, the firm has a worldwide operation, with branches on four different continents.

Made In

City

London

Country

England

Description

Technical Description

Nominal pitch: A.
2 valves.

According to the firm's archives [instruments books], the instrument was "Bach Trumpet in A-natural, 2 valves", made in a batch of one.

Technical description: Brass; in three sections with two ligature tuning joints; valves on middle section; mouthpipe section short (too short to allow an alternative for B♭). Valve type: 2 Périnet valves; top sprung.

Signature marks: Inscribed on bell "SOLBRON / (REGISTERED) / CLASS A / LIGHT VALVE / BOOSEY & CO / MAKERS / 295 REGENT ST / LONDON / 78131" with trumpet & banner trademark. Inscribed on side of 1st valve "1 / S" / trumpet & banner trademark / "62581"; 2nd valve "2".

Performance characteristics: For playing Bach, Handel etc. (probably the intended repertoire), the high register (i.e. over 10th natural note) is extremely difficult to play. The two valves are well-tuned.

Usable pitch: Old Philharmonic pitch (A = 453 Hz).

Overall size: 1342 with both slides in; bell 118.
Sounding length: minimum 1421.
Bore: mouthpipe at c 25mm from mouthpiece receiver (minimum bore) 9.8; centre of valve cluster at c 300mm from mouthpiece receiver, v.t.s. bore (1,2,3) 10.9; at 711mm from bell end, c 11.7; at c 234mm from bell end, 16.5; at 17.5mm from bell end, 70.8. B = 0.73. Bell cutoff = 1200Hz.
Dia of mouthpiece receiver: m.r.t. 10.8 - 10.1.

Performance characteristics: For playing Bach, Handel etc. (probably the intended repertoire), the high register (i.e. over 10th natural note) is extremely difficult to play. The two valves are well-tuned.

Allocated with, probably formerly used with and possibly supplied by manufacturer with mouthpiece (844).

Provenance

Purchased by H.I. Brackenbury at Puttick & Simpson, December 1927, for £0/12/0. ; Government allocation to the University, 1991.

Classification