Louis Armstrong (1947) by Harry Warnecke and Gus SchoenbaechlerSmithsonian's National Portrait Gallery
Jazz is a style of music that originated in African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana in the late 19th century, with its roots in blues and ragtime. Let’s take a look at the musical instruments collection at the Horniman, and delve into the jazz stories behind them.
Valve Trumpet, Grisha Farfel 'Sessionair' Model (1963) by Horniman Museum and GardensHorniman Museum and Gardens
Trumpet, Grisha Farfel 'Sessionair' Model
This flashy B flat American-style trumpet was designed to appeal to jazz and session players.
It was endorsed by Russian trumpeter Grisha Farfel, who's name is signed on the side. Grisha became famous playing on the BBC’s Billy Cotton Band Show in the 1950s.
Valve Trumpet, Clippertone Model (1925) by Horniman Museum and GardensHorniman Museum and Gardens
Trumpet, Clippertone Model
This Clippertone model was designed primarily for jazz and session musicians.
The narrow bore gives it a clear penetrating tone, ideal for jazz ensembles. Its ‘quick change' mechanism means that music for both types of trumpet could be played on the same instrument, saving space
Bass Drum (1999) by Ivko, L.M.Horniman Museum and Gardens
Bass Drum
The largest and deepest-sounding member of the drum family, usually played with a pair of large sticks, or beaters, the bass drum plays an essential role in musical styles like jazz.
Bass Harmonica (0) by Horniman Museum and GardensHorniman Museum and Gardens
Chromatic Bass Harmonica
Chromatic harmonicas have up to 16 holes (compared to diatonic harmonicas' ten).
This gives them a more versatile range that is better suited for playing jazz and classical music.
Piano Accordian (1960) by Horniman Museum and GardensHorniman Museum and Gardens
Accordion
The accordion is a free-reed portable musical instrument, with external piano keys or buttons.
This accordion was made in Osima, Ancona, Italy. It was commissioned in the 1960s for professional accordionist, Gerald del Mondi.
Patent Portable Piano (1897) by Horniman Museum and GardensHorniman Museum and Gardens
Patent Portable Piano
Also known as a yacht piano, this Patent Portable Piano has 'J.B. Cramer & Co' inscribed on the name board.
The piano is used to play a range of jazz music styles including ragtime, swing, bebop and stride.
Clarinet, Cocus (0) by Horniman Museum and GardensHorniman Museum and Gardens
Clarinet
The Clarinet is a single-reed woodwind instrument used orchestrally and in brass bands. The clarinet was crucial to the sound of early jazz music and the Swing Era.
Discover more at the Horniman, both in person and online.
