Description
I created this instrument drawing inspiration from the mesmerizing trumpet sounds of renowned Norwegian musicians Nils Petter Molvaer and Arve Henriksen.
I didn’t replicate their sound; instead, I aimed to capture the ambiance by blending warmth and coolness, mastery and spontaneity, and the tension of the notes with a relaxed perception.
The attack, the initial sound of each note, plays a vital role in this instrument. It may seem unpredictable, much like a trumpet player-musician just starting their career. Yet, it also serves as a powerful expressive technique in the hands of a seasoned musician, who can convey a wealth of emotions with just a few notes.
One of the secrets to effectively using Northern Trumpets is that the precision of the attack depends on the velocity with which you strike the key on your MIDI keyboard. The attack becomes more unpredictable when playing soft notes at a slow tempo.
A little backstory: I was born in Russia, where winter stretches for half a year. I’ve been beyond the Arctic Circle, where temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius are the norm, and I vividly remember how the trumpet mouthpiece would freeze to my lips. And while I began working on this project in sunny Bulgaria and completed it in the scorching heat of Barcelona, I felt a profound connection to the North and its perpetual frost.
I invite you to play a few sustained notes and experience the mood of the Northern Trumpets. I hope you find it as inspiring as I do.
Special thanks to Frank Achtergarde for the idea behind this instrument, and Julia Godzikovskaya for her assistance and support.
