Baroque Trumpet - Modern Reproductions

Modern Reproductions

Nowadays, the term "baroque trumpet" has come to mean a version of original natural trumpet with changes to suit modern players who tend to play both modern trumpet and these hybrids. These are the instruments most often employed by period instrument ensembles when choosing Historically informed performance practice. Originals are seldom used, since they are too valuable.

Some modern performers use natural trumpets, unchanged in design since the baroque era. However, the majority now choose baroque trumpets constructed with vents, which were not used in the baroque. The use of natural vs baroque trumpets is controversial and this article aims to provide a balanced view from both sides. But in general, most professional trumpeters regard the modern baroque trumpet, with at least one vent hole, as a necessary compromise to ensure acceptable intonation and secure attacks for players of modern trumpets, while still providing an approximation of the original sound.