Understanding the Italian Trumpeters’ Method The Trumpet Ensemble Contribution to Schütz’s Psalm Settings

Heinrich Schütz’ setting of Psalm 136 à 13 Mit Trometen vnd Heerpaucken (SWV 45) includes trumpet ensemble participation and supplies a single Principal trumpet part. This article examines the Italian style trumpet performance practice and shows how application of that practice to the printed trumpet part can result in a period-sensitive contribution to the polychoral composition by an ensemble of five trumpets, with timpani.