The Wagner Tuba

  • Wagner Tuba
    • Introduction
    • Wagner Tuba History
      • The Vision
      • The Apprentice
      • Trials and Transpositions
      • Fruition
      • The Disciple
      • Wagner’s Heirs
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      • Wagner Tuba Revival
    • Physical Properties & Range
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    • Position in The Score
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    • Wagner Tuba Composers
    • Stephen Caudel
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  • Richard Wagner
    • Introduction
    • Birth in Leipzig
    • The ‘Acting’ Father
    • Wagner the Student
    • Early Compositions
    • Marriage to Minna Planer
    • Wagner in Paris
    • Mathilde Wesendonk
    • King Ludwig II of Bavaria
    • Wagner and Cosima
    • Bayreuth & Final Years
  • The Brass Section
    • Introduction
    • French Horn Introduction
      • French Horn History
      • French Horn Range
      • The Double Horn
      • French Horn Manufacturers
      • Famous Horn Players
      • French Horn Repertoire
      • Learning The French Horn
      • French Horn Orchestration
      • Contemporary Jazz Horn
    • Trumpet Introduction
      • Types Of Trumpet
      • Trumpet History
      • Trumpet Range
      • Famous Trumpet Players
    • Trombone
    • Tuba
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Trumpet Range

Trumpet RangeThe Trumpet On The Staff

The trumpet range may be displayed in the treble clef as shown right.

The notes shown in the example are the written notes.

  • Logically, on the B-flat trumpet the notes sound a tone lower.
  • On the D trumpet, however, the notes would sound a tone higher.

Higher Notes In The Trumpet Range

On the B-flat trumpet, any notes up to the highest G can generally be produced with great confidence and across the range of dynamics. ie. Very quietly down to ppp or very loudly up to fff.

However, the very top notes up to the highest C should be utilized with care because they can be brilliant in effect but, if overused, can be straining on the ear.

NOTE: The C trumpet could be said to have an advantage over the B-flat trumpet when it comes to the highest register, in terms of tonal quality and intonation. This, for some time, caused the C trumpet to present a serious challenge to the supremacy of the B-flat instrument. Our page about Types of Trumpet goes into more detail.

Best Use Of The Trumpet Range – Examples

As we mentioned in our primary Trumpet overview page, there are some great examples of the trumpet’s range being used to marvellous effect.

Range Example 1
Here is Adolph “Bud” Herseth playing the opening trumpet solo from Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 under the baton of Sir Georg Solti in 1986. Herseth was a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for over 50 years (1948-2001).

Range Example 2
It is not common to hear vibrato used on a trumpet, other than when it’s done so sparingly. However, there is always an exception to the rule and here is one we love to quote!

From the iconic movie “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” where the trumpet solo composed by Ennio Morricone accompanies the final duel between the three protagonists at the end of the film. Played here by Andrea Giuffredi.

Brass Section Overview

BRASS SECTION MENU

  • The Brass Section
    • Introduction
    • French Horn Introduction
      • French Horn History
      • French Horn Range
      • The Double Horn
      • French Horn Manufacturers
      • Famous Horn Players
      • French Horn Repertoire
      • Learning The French Horn
      • French Horn Orchestration
      • Contemporary Jazz Horn
    • Trumpet Introduction
      • Types Of Trumpet
      • Trumpet History
      • Trumpet Range
      • Famous Trumpet Players
    • Trombone
    • Tuba

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