shawm

The shawm is a traditional double-reed woodwind instrument used in Europe from the Middle Ages into the Renaissance. It is characterized by a conical bore, a flared bell, and a loud, piercing tone designed to project in outdoor environments and in loud ensembles. The instrument is played with a twin reed bound to a staple, and typically has a small set of finger holes on the front and a thumb hole at the back. Shawms come in several sizes, from high soprano to low bass, allowing them to form loud mixed consorts.

Construction-wise, the shawm’s body is usually made of wood such as boxwood, maple, or fruitwoods, assembled from two or more joints. The reed is a double reed carved from cane and bound to a staple; the bore is conical, producing a bright, reedy sound. The bell is flared to help projection. Some regional varieties have different finger-hole layouts and reinforcements, and decorative turning is common on historical examples.

History shows that shawms appear in Europe by the 12th or 13th century and were widely used in street bands, courts, dances, and religious processions through the Renaissance. They formed loud consorts of various sizes. In the late Renaissance, the oboe (hautbois) began to develop from the shawm, offering a more refined tone and keywork. By the 18th century the shawm largely fell from common use, though it heavily influenced later reed instruments. A revival of interest in early music since the 20th century has led to modern reproductions and performances.

Today, shawms are built by specialist makers and played by ensembles dedicated to medieval and Renaissance repertoires, as well as in some contemporary works seeking antique timbres. They are also used in film and theater to evoke historical soundscapes.