The Alp horn is one of the largest trumpets. It is used in many high mountain regions, particularly in Switzerland. The alphom is usually made out of mountain trees such as young firs, lime trees, or poplars. They are split in half and hollowed out. The halves are rejoined and bound with bark strips, rattan, or gut.
Family |
Brasses |
Pitch range |
None. |
Material |
Wood. |
Size |
Variable, but the largest alphorns made today are over 11 ft (3.4 m) long. |
Origins |
Long horns have been used for centuries in high mountain regions, in places like the Russian Federation and Peru, by shepherds and cowherds. The alphorn itself is native to Switzerland. |
Classification |
Aerophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of a column of air. |
And also... |
The peoples of the Mari region in the Russian Federation make long horns for each spring festival. Afterwards, they burn the trumpets or hide them in a sacred place. |