krummhorn

The krummhorn is a Renaissance and early Baroque period musical instrument belonging to the woodwind family. Its name, derived from German words meaning "crooked" or "bent" and "horn," reflects its distinctive curved shape. The instrument is characterized by its enclosed, straight or slightly curved tube with a flared bell at the end, often made from wood such as boxwood or maple.

The krummhorn features a double reed mounted inside a cap, which players blow into to produce sound. Its design typically includes a keyed fingerhole system that allows for chromatic playing, although it is primarily a bass or tenor instruments with limited range relative to modern woodwinds. The instrument's sound is bright, reedy, and somewhat nasal, capable of producing both melodic lines and harmonic accompaniment in consort settings.

Historically, the krummhorn was popular throughout the 15th to 17th centuries, especially in consorts and ensembles that performed medieval and Renaissance music. Its design is believed to have originated from earlier horn-like instruments, evolving into a chromatic, flute-like instrument suitable for indoor and courtly music.

Due to its unique tone and historical significance, the krummhorn is often depicted in early European paintings and is reconstructed by modern early music ensembles today. Although largely obsolete in contemporary orchestration, the instrument remains an important part of historical music practices and scholarly research into early musical traditions. Its distinctive shape and sound contribute to our understanding of musical development during the Renaissance era.