| I don't think the era of the piece has anything to do with suitability of using vents or not. Vents are more a matter of practicality for most players, making it possible to meet the intonation and accuracy expectations of the group they are playing with. No-holes playing requires some additional flexibility from other players in the ensemble. Also, the more lipping required (e.g. C# and Eb, or lots of Fs written in the music), the more likely a modern baroque trumpet player would be to use vents.
There is a difference in the sound achieved using natural vs. baroque (vented) trumpets. Part of it is related to intonation, but the bigger difference is in the color and "ring" of the notes. People will argue that natural trumpets have a more "regal" tone. Based on the no-holes playing I've done, I think there is some truth to that. It's also accompanied with more difference in color from note to note.
If you go to Yahoo Groups and read messages in the NaturalTrumpet group you will find some interesting discussions on the difference between baroque and natural trumpet. For some, it becomes "a religious debate." It's a friendly place with good information exchanged, but remember what the group's name is; natural trumpets rule there and vented trumpet discussion is accommodated.
I have only ever played a coiled trumpet for a few minutes...not enough time to formulate any reasonable opinions. And I've never seen (except in photographs) or played a pretzel shaped instrument, so I can't help you with those questions.
Anyway, to wrap up this ramble, I think that people should get a no-holes yard (4-hole system) or vent hole covers (3-hole system) and practice regularly without using holes. This is quite doable with easier pieces and works that don't use extreme range, and it gives one a greater appreciation for the differences in vented vs. non-vented. It can also help improve focus/accuracy. Once you get a sense for the sound you want to make and your ability to create the desired musical product with or without holes, then make the decision about which pieces to apply it to.
Hope this helps.
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Matt Dalton |