Shawm
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This is an Alto shawm : a loud, shrill, woodwind instrument.The shawm was popular in Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries, playing in town bands and royal celebrations. After this period, it began to be replaced by the gentler, indoor tone of the oboe. "Shawm" is also the term used for all double reed instruments with a pirouette, which are widely used in folk and popular music.
| Family |
| Woodwinds |
| Pitch range |
| About two octaves. |
| Material |
| Wood. |
| Size |
| Variable : from 1 ft 7 in-10 ft (0.5-3 m) long. |
| Origins |
| The shawm arrived in Europe from Muslim countries to the east and south. It was played in Europe from the 13th to the 17th century, during which time it became the main loud instrument for playing outdoor music and for accompanying all kinds of festivities. |
| Classification |
| Aerophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of a column of air. |
| And also... |
| The shawm created such a loud noise that the oboe was made to replace it when playing music indoors. |
