Soprano cornet
 An E♭ cornet | |
| Brass instrument | |
|---|---|
| Classification | |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 423.231[1] (Valved aerophone sounded by lip vibration featuring a conical bore) |
| Developed | 19th century[citation needed] |
| Playing range | |
 | |
| Related instruments | |
The soprano cornet is a transposing brass instrument similar to the standard B♭ cornet but smaller and pitched a fourth higher in E♭.
History
[edit]The soprano cornet was invented around 1844, as an easier to play replacement for the soprano saxhorn. In the twenty years after its invention the soprano cornet was often pitched in D♭ instead of the modern E♭. In 18-man bands there were often two soprano cornet players, with a majority often playing in D♭ and the others in E♭.[3]
Playing technique and sound
[edit]The soprano cornet often has issues with intonation and over-blowing.[3][4] The soprano cornet has been described as having a "descant sparkle" by the Saskatoon Brass Band.[5] It is harder to play than a B♭ cornet due to having a smaller mouthpeice, and it produces a lighter and airier sound.[6][7] It has also been described as having a "wispy, flute-like" sound.[3] It is similar to the standard B♭ cornet but smaller and pitched a fourth higher in E♭.[8]
Ensembles
[edit]A single soprano cornet is usually seen in brass bands and silver bands and can be found playing lead or descant parts in other musical ensembles.[6] They can be heard clearly among a groups of B♭ cornets.[5]
Notable players
[edit]Notable players of the soprano cornet include Charlie Cook, John Distin, Paul Duffy, and Peter Roberts.[3][6]
Further reading
[edit]- Introduction to the E♭ soprano cornet by Bram Gay original from Sounding Brass, Issue 6, 1977.
References
[edit]- ^ "Discussion of brass instruments". Retrieved 2009-08-19.
- ^ "The Brass Crest, Cornet". Retrieved 2009-08-19.
- ^ a b c d Chen, Yanbin (2019). "Soprano Cornet: The Hidden Gem of the Trumpet Family" (PDF). ibew.org.uk. Athens, Georgia. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "The Art of Soprano Playing – Gary Fountain – The Salvation Army USA East Music Department". music.saconnects.org. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
- ^ a b "Brass Band Information". www.saskatoonbrassband.org. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
- ^ a b c "History and Types of Cornets". Brass 'n Wind. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
- ^ "Introducing the Soprano Cornet - North Tyneside Brass in Schools". 2020-12-09. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
- ^ "Cornet". Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
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