Adolph Saxe, a 19th-century Belgian musician, is thought to have invented the flugelhorn, a trumpet-like brass instrument. According to some, the design is based on Michael Saule’s keyed bugle, which was invented slightly before Saxe’s. Although music historians disagree about who invented the flugelhorn, the instrument was widely used the late nineteenth century.
The flugelhorn’s sound is less bright and more mellow than that of trumpets and cornets. It is most commonly heard in jazz and brass band compositions, but its mellow sound can also be heard in orchestral works from the twentieth century. The sound produced is due to the instrument’s larger bell or opening, as well as its overall size.
The flugelhorn’s piston valves range from three to four, and its fingering system is similar to that of the trumpet. When a fourth valve is added, the instrument’s range of possible notes is reduced. It easily carries melodies in brass band arrangements thanks to the extra valve. Expert trumpet players can often switch with ease because the fingering is similar to trumpets and cornets, though they may need to slightly adjust their mouthing because the instrument has a slightly larger mouthpiece.
On Miles Davis’ 1957 album Miles Ahead, the flugelhorn was first used to best effect in jazz. On the album, Davis played the instrument. Chuck Mangione’s song “Feels So Good,” composed and performed in 1978, is perhaps the most well-known flugelhorn piece in jazz. The piece went on to become one of the most well-known pieces in the world, receiving airplay on most top 40 radio stations. Mangione is a master musician, but he’s never quite regained the fame he achieved with “Feels So Good.”
A top-of-the-line flugelhorn can be quite costly. If you’re thinking about getting one for a new student, you might want to consider a trumpet instead, because switching from trumpeting is relatively simple. A higher-grade instrument is usually priced over $1,500 US dollars if price is not an issue (USD). One that costs between $500 and $700 USD is considered student grade.
Look for CDs featuring Rachel Woolham or Frank Fezishin if you prefer symphonic flugelhorn renditions. Both musicians are credited with revolutionizing the way classically composed music assesses the instrument. They are wonderful examples of how the flugelhorn beautifully explores and reinvents solo performances in both traditional orchestral and modern classical music.