Bombard: description of the instrument, composition, sound, types

The bombarda is a traditional instrument for playing Breton music. The date of its appearance cannot be determined, but it is known for certain that in the 16th century the bombard was very popular. This instrument is considered one of the progenitors of the bassoon.

The bombard is a straight, conical drilling tube with a funnel-shaped socket from three collapsible parts:

• double cane;
• shaft and housing;
• trumpet.

For its manufacture, hardwoods were used, for example, pear, boxwood, baya. The double cane was made from cane.

The sound is characterized by power and sharpness. The range is two octaves with a minor third. Depending on the tonality, there are three types of this instrument:

1. Soprano. Models in the key of B-flat with two clefs (A and A-flat).
2. Alto. Sounds in the key of D or E-flat.
3. Tenor. The sound is in B-flat, but an octave lower than that of a soprano.

In the modern world, you can often find a soprano model. Alto and tenor are used only in national ensembles.

Despite the widespread use of the bombard in the 16th century, with the advent of more melodic instruments such as the bassoon and oboe, it loses its popularity and becomes a purely national instrument.