Shawm
History
The shawm is the precursor to today’s oboe, and is also played with a double-reed. Its origins are from the Middle East from around the 8th or 9th century, and it appears in Western music from the 12th century .The shawm became the most important instrument of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and it was widely used in official and court ceremonies as well as in dance music ensembles.
The shawm is still used in Middle Eastern and European folk music to this day.
Facts & Features
Shawms are made from a single piece of wood and are conical in shape, with holes bored into them to produce the notes.
There are a few different sizes of Shawms. The larger instruments are called bombards -a name taken from the reference to early artillery.
The shawm sounded very loud, and was widely used outdoors.
The shawn was most likely brought to Europe during the Crusades. It was used in Saracen military bands, along with drums and trumpets,
Shawm type instruments have been found all over the world, with variations in South Asia, China, and African countries.
Famous Players
Oswald Von Wolkenstein (1377-1445)
Guillaume de Machaut (c.1300-1377)
Johann Sebastian Bach. (1685-1750)
Music To Listen To
Gillaume de Machaut - Douce Dame Jolie
King Alfonso X - Cantigas de Santa Maria
Unknown - Lamento de Tristano
Find Out
How many different sizes of shawms are there?
On which famous shipwreck was an example of a ‘still’ or ‘soft’ shawm found?
