The history of the emergence of woodwind instruments, their development, and comparison with modern ones

Abstract

The paper is devoted to characterizing the development of woodwind instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon. The process of improving the mechanics of each instrument is described, starting from the earliest prototypes and ending with classical models. The evolution of the flute is analyzed, beginning with examples from the 17th century. Earlier models of the flute, common in Byzantium and Hungary during the 10th-12th centuries, are also mentioned. It is proven that various models in D and E tunings were widespread during the Baroque era. The evolution of the oboe is described, starting from the earliest prototypes (aulos, surnay) and ending with its final modern form, which emerged in France in the mid-19th century. The spread and development of the clarinet in European art of the 18th and 19th centuries are outlined. The process of advancing bassoons throughout the 17th and 18th centuries is analyzed. The fact that the development of the flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon occurred in various Western European cities is outlined. It is noted that similar materials were used for all of them, including not only wood but also ivory. The primary direction of the instrument's evolution was the increase in the number of keys and the improvement of their shape to achieve clearer sound production and more convenient fingering. It is highlighted that modern (or near-modern) models appeared between the late 18th and mid-19th centuries.