The Martinshorn (also known as the Martin's trumpet and Schalmei) is a German free reed aerophone created in 1880 by Max Bernhardt Martin, who was also the main manufacturer of the instruments.[1] The Martinshorn contains several reeds, each of which having its own horn.[2] The instrument was created in imitation of the saxhorn.[3] The horn can be confused with the shawm, as they are both referred to by the name "Schalmei"; the origins of the similar naming is unknown.

Martinshorn
A Martinshorn created circa. 1930
Other namesMartin's Trumpet, Schalmei
Classification Aerophone
Hornbostel–Sachs classification412.132
Inventor(s)Max B. Martin
Developed1880
Related instruments
Harmonica, Accordion
A Martinshorn player at the 2009 Paris Carnival

History

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After being created, the prototype of the instrument was presented to Wilhelm II, who allegedly did not understand the instrument as a musical instrument, instead using it as a vehicle horn when driving his automobile.[4]

The schalmei was popularised as an instrument in the 1920s by the German Communist Party, inspired by the Wanderbewegung [de], movement played in bands consisting of 20-30 members.[5] This was particularly effective in the Saarland, where bands were often formed by groups of unemployed coal miners.[6] During the Second World War, many Martinshorns were destroyed by the Nazi Party, under the impression that the instruments were a symbol of Marxism.[4] However, in some parts of Germany, they were used extensively by the Hitler Youth, who, due to their ease of playing and loudness, used them to rally crowds to spread propaganda.[7]

The instrument underwent a period of revitalisation under the GDR, and the tradition of the instrument still prevails in some East German towns. The Martinshorn is usually accompanied by percussion and fifes.[8]

Construction

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Martinshorns typically have three valves, although they do not function as in brass instruments, altering the instrument's tube length, instead redirecting the airflow into different bells. Each bell contains a metal reed, playing one note per bell. Most instruments only have 8 bells, so can only play within a diatonic scale, within the range of an octave. Some instruments have a fourth valve, which directs airflow to a modified horn, allowing for chromatic scales. The instrument is only able to be played at one volume, which tends to be rather loud.

Due to being a free reed, the instrument does not require any form of embouchure, tonguing or intonation, only blowing; this greatly improves the instrument's ease of playing.[9]

References

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  1. ^ "Dolmetsch Online - Music Dictionary Sc - Sd". www.dolmetsch.com. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  2. ^ "Miscellaneous - Schalmei (aka Martinshorn)". CafeSaxophone Forum. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  3. ^ "Typologie des instruments à vent, illustration schalmei". jeanluc.matte.free.fr. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  4. ^ a b "Musicmuseum". www.musikmuseum.dk. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  5. ^ "Martin Horn 'Schalmei' - Alto - Hartenberger World Musical Instrument Collection". Hartenberger World Musical Instrument Collection. 24 July 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  6. ^ Museum, The Wende (2008-08-21). "A Sound like No Other: The Schalmei". From the Vault. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  7. ^ webster. "Get Ready for Mardi Gras! – A & D Musical Instrument Appraisals – Accredited Senior Appraiser – Musical Instruments and Expert Witness, Rebecca Apodaca, prepares IRS and USPAP compliant musical instrument appraisals for all instruments. Vintage guitar appraisal are her specialty". Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  8. ^ "Schalmeienorchester Links". www.musiktreff.info (in German). Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  9. ^ "Schalmei/Signal Horn - TubeNet". forums.chisham.com. Retrieved 2022-10-24.