cornet

The cornet is a brass instrument in the trumpet family, distinguished by its conical bore and compact, curved tubing. It is typically pitched in B-flat, but options in A, C or E-flat exist. Like the trumpet, it is normally operated with three piston valves and a mouthpiece of a similar design. The conical bore gives the cornet a warmer, more rounded tone compared with the brighter, more piercing timbre of the trumpet.

The modern cornet arose in the 19th century as valve technology improved and players sought an instrument that combined the projection of the trumpet with a smoother, more lyrical quality. It evolved from earlier cornetto designs and became a standard instrument in both concert bands and Romantic orchestras. In many brass bands and wind ensembles, the cornet plays melodic lines in the soprano register.

Playability and technique: The cornet is typically made in B-flat and sometimes in A or C. It uses valves to change pitch; players rely on embouchure, air support, and precise valve technique. The instrument’s smaller size and conical bore give it a compact response and a slightly more compact dynamic range than the trumpet.

Relation and variants: The cornet is closely related to the trumpet and the flugelhorn; differences are primarily in bore size and tone quality. Variants include soprano cornet and cornet in different keys. In jazz and brass-band contexts, the cornet historically held a prominent place in early jazz before the trumpet became dominant.