Trumpet that sounded to tens of kilometers

Residents in the Swiss Alps inherit the wind instruments sounded throughout much of human history. The sound can be heard as far as tens of kilometers, crossing the valleys of the Alps looming.

Trumpet of the population is called Alpenhorn Alpen. It's very long, can reach twice the height of the play. May seem to be bothered to use, especially when I had to move from one place to another. Do not worry, the present can be removed Alpenhorn-off that fit in the bag.

According to history, Alpenhorn first mentioned in 1527 in the monastery of St. notebook. Urban in Switzerland.

From generation to generation, shepherds and farmers always bring Alpenhorn and meniupkannya of grassland in the mountain peaks as a code to the family in the village that define "everything is fine."

In addition, Alpenhorn also used to call the cows to be milked. Swiss dairy farmers have long believed that the soft alunannya helped make the cows calm during milking.

Once upon a time, Alpenhorn also often used as a call to the men of war. While now, more often used to singing when winter arrives.

Raw materials

Alpen trumpet is usually made of mountain fir trees. Because the pine trees on steep slopes-lerang growth curve at the base.

William Hopson, Alpenhorn craftsmen in the United States.
Union prices could reach $ 5000 / alphorn.ca

A maker Alpenhorn, after selecting a tree that will be used, split into two parts pine trunks. Gouge out the inside using a special cutting tool to form a half circle.

The inside was then scraped and sanded until smooth. The craftsman then glue the two parts, the melilitnya tightly with wooden cane betula. He also made a wooden cradle to hold it while playing the trumpet.

How to play

At first glance, Alpenhorn has no holes, keys, or the valve is pressed to-press. In fact, this horn can produce a natural tone 12. The difficulty is to regulate the flow of air is blown into the pipe to produce a desired tone.

Although not all songs can be played with this instrument, a blower that can play a variety of advanced melodies are stunning.

Many famous composers in the orchestral arrangements include Alpenhorn, such as Leopold Mozart (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's father) wrote "Sinfonia Pastorella" for orchestra and "Corno Pastoiritio". Similarly, Beethoven, in one of his pastoral symphony, imitating the sound of trumpets to evoke the atmosphere of Alpen shepherd.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Trumpet that sounded to tens of kilometers