Shawms

Shawms are a family of double-reed woodwind instruments that developed in medieval and Renaissance Europe. They produce a loud, piercing tone due to a conical bore that flares at the bell. Shawms were designed for outdoor playing and often served as a leading voice in wind ensembles and street bands. The family includes several sizes, from sopranino to bass, with corresponding pitch ranges.

Construction and playing: Shawms are wooden instruments with a long, narrow tube that widens toward the bell. They use a double reed mounted on a staple. Front finger holes (typically seven) and a back thumb hole control pitch. Reeds were made from cane and tied to fit the mouth. The instrument's brightness and volume made it suitable for outdoor music.

History and decline: The shawm appears in European music manuscripts from the 12th century and features prominently in medieval and early Renaissance repertoires. In the 17th century, makers began refining the design, which contributed to the rise of the oboe. As Baroque tastes shifted toward smaller, more intimate ensembles, shawms declined in popularity, though regional traditions persisted in some areas.

Revival and modern use: The 20th-century early-music revival revived the shawm. Today, shawms are built in several sizes and used in performances of medieval and Renaissance music, as well as in some film scores seeking historical atmosphere. They remain an important link in the lineage from the shawm to the modern oboe.