The Middle Ages was a period in which music played a key role in shaping ritual, politics, and everyday life.
Among the brass instruments, trumpets stand out for their acoustic impact and their presence in diverse settings, originating in the Middle Ages.
This article focuses on the main medieval types and models of trumpets and the specific contexts in which they were used.
Types of Trumpets
In the Middle Ages, trumpets were classified mainly into two groups:
Trumpets with valve system
These represented an evolution of traditional trumpets, allowing for a wider range of notes. However, they were not widely used in the Middle Ages, as the earliest forms of valved trumpets were just beginning to develop during this period, and would only give rise to more complex instruments in later periods. Their use became more widespread during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
These could include:
The slide trumpet (or sackbut): Although more common in the Renaissance, its origins date back to the Middle Ages. It had a sliding slide that allowed the length of the tube and, therefore, the pitch to be changed.
Natural trumpets
The Middle Ages were characterized by the use of natural trumpets, this being the most common and basic type.
They were characterized by a straight tube, a mouthpiece, and a bell. They had no pitch-changing mechanisms, so they were limited to sounds in the natural harmonic series, hence their name.
Among these we find, for example:
-
The Cornu: A brass instrument from ancient Rome, also used in the Middle Ages, although its use was not as extensive as in Roman times.
It was played with a cup-shaped mouthpiece and had a characteristic, often curved shape. - The Buccina (or Bucina): Similar to the cornu, but narrower and more cylindrical in size. It was played by a buccinator.
- The Añafil: A straight, elongated trumpet of Moorish origin, similar to the Roman tuba. It is found in medieval iconography, often associated with battle scenes and banners.
- La Buisine: A long, straight trumpet, used primarily in military and ceremonial contexts. Its design allowed it to produce powerful, penetrating sounds.
- The Clarion: A shorter, higher-pitched version of the buisine, used for quick signals and fanfares. Common in processions and court events.
- The Olifant: A carved ivory wind instrument associated with nobility and hunting. Famous for its mention in "The Song of Roland," where the hero uses his oliphant to summon aid in battle.
Outside of this classification, we can also mention the existence of another instrument, whose name, compared to its mechanism, makes it a curious case:
- The sea trumpet: A triangular or trapezoidal string instrument, which, although called a "trumpet," was not a brass instrument. It was popular in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Cultural and symbolic meaning, uses and functions
Trumpets, in medieval iconography, had symbolic importance in various aspects:
- Power and authority. Associated with royalty and nobility, they represented earthly and divine power.
- Art and literature . They were frequently mentioned in illuminated manuscripts and epic tales, symbolizing heroism and transcendence.
They also had multiple applications:
- Military: To transmit orders, give signals of attack, retreat, coordinate and raise morale on the battlefield.
- Religious: In ceremonies and processions. To announce the arrival of important figures, initiate events, and mark key moments in religious rituals, where their sound was linked to the sacred, being used to call to prayer or mark festivities.
-
Civilians: At public events, announcements and celebrations.
In medieval cities, municipal trumpeters announced news, curfews, and other relevant information.
Studying medieval trumpets allows us to better understand the relationship between music, social structure, and symbolism in contemporary Europe. These instruments were not mere objects of sound, but rather reflections of the hierarchical order, collective values, and medieval artistic imagination. Their persistence in cultural memory demonstrates the enduring power of their forms and functions.
If you like medieval art, I invite you to visit our Medieval Shop and discover everything we have to offer.
