Trumpeter

It was Merril’s turn to randomly pick a dictionary word.  Her finger fell upon the word “trumpeter.”  That is not the sort of word I would necessarily go to, to find out more.  But for the purpose of this exercise, I did, and I am glad I did.
My experience with trumpeters is limited.  My oldest brother was playing the trumpet when he was in the girl guides…no not the girl guides the cadets.  I remember he had the tunes written in hieroglyphics on cards.  Just as well there was nothing to trip on as he marched and walked.  If there was, I reckon his part would have come to an abrupt end.
I have known various other trumpeters, but it was never an instrument I gravitated to.  I find in a small room it dominates.  Bit like drums.  I like them behind perspecs in a confined space as they can dominate the sound.
It seems I am not alone in not counting the trumpet among my favourite instruments.  A number of composers did not regard the trumpet as integral to an orchestra.  Up until about the 14th century trumpets were used in battles or religious ceremonies.  Until then they could only be played in one key.  It wasn’t until the invention of valves that a whole scale could be played.  I do not know if it is right or not be it reminds me of harmonicas.  Someone I know plays one.  It was him that was telling me about them.  There are different types.  Many are just one key (like one I have at home).  Full scale harmonica’s can be gotten.
Last century trumpets were popular in Big Bang music.  Big Bang does not sound right.  They are still popular (but not limited to) jazz music.  It is all a personal taste thing, but I have never taken to jazz music.  I went to a concert one time and the piece I enjoyed most was one I could tap my foot along to.  If that means I am a neanderthal then so be it.
But I did enjoy learning about trumpets.  I have for years enjoyed classical music.  Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin.  But due to this I listened to trumpet concerto’s.  Hayden and Mozart wrote one, but it was a guy I had never heard of that got my attention.
His name was Johann Hummel.  He was a piano virtuoso and composer born in Austria in 1778.  He knew and associated with heaps of well-known composers.  Hayden, Mozart, and Beethoven, to name a few.  He is considered to have bridged the gap between Classical and Romantic music.
I really liked what I heard.  I’ll admit the start of Hayden’s concerto was like I had heard it before.  Mozart I thought “that’s different.”  To me Hummel’s music was Beethoven like, and I really enjoyed it.
I do now have a newfound appreciation for the trumpet.  Though I must admit if I were picking musical instrument teams, trumpets would not be one of the first picked.