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Originally Posted by trumpetmike  Another fun aspect to throw into the mix is performance practice - I have heard some players playing on baroque and natural trumpets, yet blowing them like a modern orchestral instrument......
After all - the rest of the orchestra often won't be working on period instruments, the players are probably not playing in the same way as the players of the age did and the audience are not going to be hearing things in the same way......
The only time I find myself on historically accurate instruments is when playing Gilbert & Sullivan - I have got a couple of 1920's Hawkes & Son trumpets (both with the rotor Bb/A mechanism) and when I can persuade the other guy that it is a good idea, I take both along for the week...... |
I agree, period (even modern period) instruments must be played as the instrument they are. You see the same thing today with people playing cornets like trumpets. It's work, but a little research and proper practice on a given type of instrument goes a long way in playing it in a more "correct" style. Of course, what's correct can be a matter for debate, especially with pre-recording era music and instruments.
In my opinion, the only time "period" brass instruments and modern instruments should be mixed is when a soloist is playing the period instrument, accompanied by group of modern instruments. Mixing period and modern instruments in an ensemble is a waste of time for everyone involved. A performance with a mix of modern/period instruments will enjoy none of the advantages of modern horns and will have all the drawbacks of the period horns.
I have a 1920's Conn trumpet with the A/Bb rotary tuning slide valve. I've played it in a group that plays early 20th century "society music" (with some parts in A) and you're right, the horn fits the orchestration and the style of the music perfectly. And it plays very well in A!