Instruments: Flugelhorn

Description

Pictured: Kanstul Model ZKF1525
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The flügelhorn is the mellow instrument of the upper brass, analogous to the euphonium in the lower brass section. It is pitched in B-flat and has the same range as the cornet. It is the highest-pitched member of the saxhorn family in general use.

The flügelhorn has a pronounced conical bore. Most are constructed with three valves of the piston type. The instrument is similar in configuration to the cornet or trumpet, with the bell pointing straight out from the player. Because the conical section of the bore covers so much of the length of the tube, many flügelhorns are equipped with a means of tuning the instrument by adjusting the length of the leadpipe, instead of having a main tuning slide.

Role in the Brass Band

In the brass band, the sound of the flügelhorn is often covered by the cornets. It is often used for softening the tone color of the cornet section. Another major role is to provide support for the top of the horn section. The contrast of the mellow sound with the brighter tone of the cornet makes the flügelhorn a commonly used solo instrument in full band arrangements, although there are relatively few stand-up solos written for the instrument.