Natural trumpets will tingle the senses at this weekend’s Queen’s Closet concert “All The Pleasures” in Wellington.
Gordon Lehany and Peter Reid with their natural trumpets Photo: RNZ - Zoe George
The natural trumpet was the first Western instrument to be heard in New Zealand, according to Gordon Lehany and Peter Reid from Queen’s Closet.
The trumpets were used on Abel Tasman’s ship as it toured around New Zealand in 1642.
Traditionally natural trumpets were used not only as a musical instrument but also as a signal instrument on the battle field. The trumpets were blown to control armies and to warn of incoming fire or invasion.
The ventless trumpets the duo will play in this weekend’s concert in Wellington are based on an original model from 1746. While their trumpets are contemporary, they still retain the traditional design, made from silver and brass.
Natural trumpets with traditional engravings Photo: RNZ - Zoe George
Their trumpets are made with three different pieces, with eight feet worth of tubing.
These trumpets are “not as clean or accurate” as modern valve trumpet or vented trumpet, it offers “beauty” in the melodic line.
“Where the harmonics sit, the two trumpets resonate together that vented trumpets don’t,” Gordon Lehany says. “It does make the music work differently. We are starting to understand the music better by playing on these… trumpets.
“We can play the dynamics the composer’s written and it works.”
Gordon Lehany plays the natural trumpet Photo: RNZ - Zoe George
It’s not just the traditional instruments that are making an appearance. Gordon says the group is trying to recreate the traditional baroque experience. “At baroque concerts people don’t sit quietly… they are more raucous and fun affairs,” Gordon says. “They clapped if they liked it… they threw things if they didn’t!”
Tables will be set up with food and audience members are encouraged to bring something to drink and friends along to enjoy the performance. “It sums up what we are trying to do – make music fun and approachable and more than just sitting down listening to music,” Gordon says.
The Queen’s Closet presents “All The Pleasures” on Sunday 3 November at 5pm at Prefab Hall in Wellington.
