One of the popular conceptions of the brass family is that they are instruments made of brass! But it isn’t entirely true, as instruments like saxophones and clarinets are often categorized under the brass family. The brass instruments are very unique and can play louder than any other instrument in the orchestra.

Although their early ancestors were made up of animal horns, tusks, or shells, modern-day brass instruments are made up of brass.

In this article, I will be discussing five common brass instruments and their differences in sound and playing style.

Cornet

The cornet is an instrument that progressed from the central post horn in the 1820s. It is the most played instrument by brass musicians. It is the smallest in the brass family but has a relatively soft, round, and warm sound that blends well into the brass music.

The cornet consists of a conical bore, three valves, and a detachable shank where the brass mouthpiece is placed. The taper, attached with the funnel-shaped mouthpiece, divulges a softness to the quality and sound. This technical flexibility establishes the cornet as one of the leading positions in brass music.

Trumpet

The history of the trumpet dates back to human existence itself. Ancient trumpet-like instruments played by individuals for different purposes were made up of animal horns, shells, wood, or metal. It’s been said that anything that involves lip vibration against a mouthpiece can be used as a trumpet. Throughout history, a trumpet has been used to sound alarms, call to war, and play parade music.

Similar to the cornet, the trumpet is one of the smallest members of the brass family. The playing style is similar but also different. The trumpet is longer and delivers clearer and more vibrant sounds. This makes it popular with soloists. The sound of the trumpet is far more dominant than any other brass instrument.

French horn

The French horn, as its name suggests, first appeared in France about 1650. In ancient times, similar to the trumpet, it played similar roles, but it was mostly used for hunting. The use of the French horn in music dates back to the early 19th century.

The French horn is a versatile brass instrument that can produce different types of sounds. It can make sounds ranging from loud to mellow and harsh to very soft.

Flugelhorn

The flugel horn is thought to have originated in the early nineteenth century in Vienna, where it was valued for music. The instrument has had a prominent place in the military bands since the 1830s.

The flugel horn is similar to the trumpet but has a darker and mellower sound. It is most often used as a bridging gap between the trumpet and a French horn, and serves as a fill-in between a cornet and a tenor horn.

Tuba

Tuba is another unique instrument in the brass family. Often regarded as the “grandfather” instruments in brass music. It is instantly recognize than other instruments due to its size. Aside from its appearance it also produce a low and unique sound.

There you have it, the five common brass instruments. Although there are other common ones like; Trombone, Tenor Hone, Baritone Hones, Euphonium.