Buisine

The buisine (Old French; also, busine, buysine, buzine) was a type of straight medieval trumpet usually made of metal, also called a herald's trumpet. It had a very long and slender body, usually one to two metres in length (some were reported to have been at least six feet in length) that tapered toward the end into a slightly flared bell. It is commonly seen in paintings being played by angels and often also bearing the banner of a nobleman. The term descends from Buccina, a Roman military horn. The horn was mainly used for military and ceremonial purposes.^[1] The buisine or herald's trumpet was widely used in Fanfares. These instruments would serve as a sort of timekeeper to announce events and meetings. Their long, tubed shape would allow them to hang flags and banners, which made them popular for events and ceremonies.

The term is first found in the c1100 Chanson de Roland, and it was probably a general term for horns and trumpets rather than referring to a specific instrument.^[2] Early trumpets were slightly curved, but the term was applied c1300 to straight trumpets imported from the Middle East during the Crusades.

The modern German word for trombone, Posaune, is a corruption of buisine by way of busaun.^[3]

History[]

There were multiple different instruments that were used in the Middle Ages that can be described as medieval trumpets. Historians believe that the advancement of trumpets came from a variety of people. The use of animal horns were used as instruments in Oriental and Roman cultures. Advanced craftsman used these concepts to design the first metal instruments.^[4] The buisine is referenced as the forerunner of all brass instruments. The brass instrument known as the busine first appeared in Southern Italy in the 11th century.^[5] It was introduced in two forms; one with a conical, curved tube called the Cornu, and one with a straight, cylindrical shape. A smaller version of the buisine, known as the Clarion, was also popular during these times. The clarion plays in the same register as its counterparts, but plays in a higher pitch due to its smaller structure. The Roman cornu was popular in Europe and the Orient, while the buisine and clarion were mostly used in England and France.^[6] The coiled and straight shape lasted until the early 1400s where the shape shifted into a double coiled S-shape. These shapes eventually led to the trumpet horn shape that we know today.

Sound[]

The instrument does not have valves allowing for the changing of pitches. Unlike modern day trumpets, they do not have piston or rotary valves to change pitches chromatically. This meant that the buisine players were limited to only set notes given within a specific harmonic series.^[7] The buisine makes a loud, buzzing sound which makes them so popular for events and ceremonies.^[8] The buisine, unlike coiled trumpets, sends vibration through the tube uninterrupted. This results in a louder sound as well as the sound appearing to come from a distance. The sound of buisine can be compared to that of a military Bugle. The instrument plays in a lower register. The sound can be described as powerful, heroic, and substantial. The notes in this register come off as rounded and full. This register can go as low as C4. These notes come off as distinct, strong, and eerie. They are often used to help depict battle stories. The powerful, distinct notes in this register make this instrument useful for events and ceremonies. They are able to attract attention and employ feelings of royalty and power.^[9]

References[]

External links[]

• Read the Encyclopædia Britannica article on the Buisine.

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