1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Flugelhorn

The flugelhorn is a brass instrument similar to a trumpet, with a mellow, warm tone, commonly used in jazz, brass bands, and orchestral settings.

Played by:

yMusic (C.J. Camerieri) on:

History of the flugelhorn

Origins

The flugelhorn’s history traces back to the early 19th century in Germany or Austria. The instrument’s name is derived from the German word Flügel, meaning “wing” or “flank,” referring to its use in military signaling during the 18th century. It was first used as a military bugle, providing signals to troops. Over time, it evolved into a more complex instrument with valves, which allowed players to produce more notes, giving it greater melodic potential.

Adoption in brass bands

The instrument became particularly popular in British brass bands during the 19th century. Its warmer, softer tone compared to the trumpet or cornet made it ideal for filling out harmonies and adding depth to brass band arrangements. It has since remained a standard in brass and military bands across Europe and other parts of the world.

Jazz and popular music

In the 20th century, the flugelhorn found a prominent place in jazz and big band music. Its mellow tone made it well-suited for ballads and more lyrical playing. Jazz musicians embraced the instrument for its ability to deliver smoother and warmer melodic lines than a trumpet, making it a favorite in jazz ballads, fusion, and smooth jazz.

Notable flugelhorn players

Clark Terry

One of the most famous flugelhorn players in jazz, Clark Terry was a pioneer who helped popularize the instrument in the genre. His mastery of both the trumpet and flugelhorn, along with his unique scat-singing style, made him a jazz legend. Terry performed with Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and on countless recordings as a soloist.

Art Farmer

Another important figure in jazz flugelhorn playing is Art Farmer, who switched from the trumpet to the flugelhorn in the 1960s. Farmer’s lyrical and introspective playing style was perfectly suited to the instrument, and he became known for his work with the Jazztet and in various small-group settings. Farmer’s commitment to the instrument helped solidify its place in jazz.

Chuck Mangione

Chuck Mangione is perhaps one of the most famous names associated with the instrument in popular music. Known for his crossover hit “Feels So Good” in the late 1970s, Mangione brought it into the mainstream. His jazz fusion style, which blended jazz with pop and orchestral elements, helped make the flugelhorn a popular instrument outside traditional jazz circles.

Miles Davis

Though primarily known as a trumpet player, Miles Davis experimented with the flugelhorn in the late 1960s and 1970s during his foray into jazz fusion. Davis’ exploration of different sounds and textures helped broaden the instrument’s role in jazz, particularly in his later electric works.

Chet Baker

Chet Baker, the cool jazz trumpeter known for his minimalist and lyrical playing, also occasionally played the flugelhorn. Its warm sound complemented his subdued, laid-back playing style, and it can be heard in some of his later recordings.

Kenny Wheeler

Canadian-born, British-based jazz composer and player Kenny Wheeler was one of the great exponents of the flugelhorn. Known for his avant-garde jazz compositions and ethereal sound, Wheeler’s playing has been regarded as both innovative and deeply emotional.

The flugelhorn’s role in music

Jazz

The flugelhorn is primarily associated with jazz, where its rich, mellow tone is used for ballads and softer, melodic passages. It often serves as a more lyrical alternative to the trumpet, giving musicians the ability to express more warmth and subtlety in their playing.

Brass bands

In brass band music, particularly in the UK, the flugelhorn has a defined role. Its softer sound bridges the gap between the brighter cornets and trumpets and the deeper tones of horns and tubas, making it essential for filling out harmonic textures.

Classical and orchestral music

Though less common in classical music than the trumpet or cornet, the flugelhorn occasionally appears in orchestral compositions to add a mellow, lyrical color to the brass section. Some modern composers, especially those influenced by jazz, include it in their works.

Pop and rock

The flugelhorn has also found a place in pop and rock music, often used for its smooth, melodic quality in brass sections or as a solo instrument. Bands like The Beatles and Chicago have used it to great effect in some of their arrangements.