| I would have to say that they are certainly different, not easier. My instructor who is a recognized international soloist and a very respected teacher has played trumpet all his life. Our school was doing a "Salute to Sousa" and he wanted to play his solo feature on cornet. He complained that everyone he had tried sucked. They weren't as open, the sound wasn't as opulent, they just had problems. So, I let him play my cornet. It's a 1949 Bach Mercedes and was built by Vincent Bach himself. My instructor absolutely loved. After a week he gave it back saying while the horn was great, he was simply not accustomed to the differences and didn't feel he would be 100% prepared to play the solo on a cornet.
I on the other hand, growing up on the cornet have always preferred the sound of the cornet and I absolutely love playing mine when I get the chance.
As far as the "sound is closer to your head" aspect, I don't find that a bonus to the cornet, I definately prefer the sound being further out on a trumpet. |