Cornet vs. Flugelhorn — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 1, 2024
The cornet is a brass instrument similar to the trumpet but with a more compact shape and a mellower tone, while the flugelhorn, also a brass instrument, has a wider conical bore resulting in a softer, darker sound.
Difference Between Cornet and Flugelhorn
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The cornet and flugelhorn are both brass instruments played using a mouthpiece and valves, but they have distinct shapes, sounds, and musical roles. The cornet, with its conical bore that widens gradually from the mouthpiece to the bell, produces a mellower, more lyrical tone compared to the trumpet. It is often used in brass bands, concert bands, and occasionally in orchestras and jazz ensembles. The flugelhorn, on the other hand, has a bore that is more conical than that of the cornet, leading to a softer, darker, and more mellow sound. It is favored in jazz and brass band music for its smooth, rich tone.
In terms of construction, the cornet is characterized by its compact shape with a tightly wrapped tubing, making it appear shorter and more conical than the trumpet. The flugelhorn resembles a cornet with a wider bell and a more pronounced conical bore, which contributes to its distinctive timbre. The mouthpiece of the flugelhorn is also deeper than that of the cornet, further enhancing its ability to produce a velvety sound.
From a historical perspective, the cornet emerged in the 19th century and quickly became popular in various musical settings, offering a bridge between the trumpet and the softer woodwind instruments in orchestral compositions. The flugelhorn, with origins in the early 19th century, was initially used in military bands before finding its niche in jazz and brass bands.
The cornet often takes on roles that require agility and lyrical phrasing, thanks to its design which allows for a wide range of dynamics and expressive playing. The flugelhorn, with its unique sound, is typically used for mellower passages that require a smooth, flowing line, making it a favorite among jazz musicians for solos and ballads.
Despite their similarities, the choice between a cornet and a flugelhorn depends on the specific musical context and desired sound. The cornet's brighter tone suits rapid, intricate passages, while the flugelhorn's lush sound is ideal for creating a warm, enveloping musical atmosphere.
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Comparison Chart
Bore Shape
Conical, gradually widening.
More pronouncedly conical than the cornet.
Sound
Mellower and more lyrical than the trumpet.
Softer, darker, and richer than the cornet.
Typical Use
Brass bands, concert bands, orchestras, jazz.
Jazz and brass bands, suited for mellow passages.
Construction
Compact shape with tightly wrapped tubing.
Resembles a cornet but with a wider bell and bore.
Mouthpiece
Shallower than the flugelhorn's, aiding in its brighter tone.
Deeper, contributing to a softer and darker tone.
Compare with Definitions
Cornet
Mellower Tone than Trumpet.
The cornet adds a lyrical quality to brass ensemble pieces.
Flugelhorn
Brass Instrument with a Soft, Dark Sound.
The flugelhorn is known for its velvety sound in jazz ballads.
Cornet
Versatile Dynamics and Expressive Playing.
The cornet excels in passages that require expressive dynamics and agility.
Flugelhorn
Favored for Smooth, Mellow Passages.
Flugelhorns are often used for their warm, enveloping sound in brass bands.
Cornet
Used in Diverse Musical Genres.
Cornets are prominent in both classical concert bands and traditional jazz bands.
Flugelhorn
Deeper Mouthpiece.
The deeper mouthpiece of the flugelhorn enhances its soft, rich timbre.
Cornet
Brass Instrument with a Compact Shape.
The cornet's compact design makes it a favorite among young brass players.
Flugelhorn
Wider Conical Bore.
Its wider conical bore gives the flugelhorn a darker tone than the cornet.
Cornet
Tightly Wrapped Tubing.
Its tightly wrapped tubing contributes to the cornet's distinct mellow sound.
Flugelhorn
Popular in Jazz and Brass Band Music.
Jazz musicians frequently choose the flugelhorn for its smooth sound in solos.
Cornet
The cornet (, US: ) is a brass instrument similar to the trumpet but distinguished from it by its conical bore, more compact shape, and mellower tone quality. The most common cornet is a transposing instrument in B♭, though there is also a soprano cornet in E♭ and cornets in A and C. All are unrelated to the Renaissance and early Baroque cornett.
Flugelhorn
The flugelhorn (), also spelled fluegelhorn, flugel horn, or flügelhorn, is a brass instrument that resembles the trumpet and cornet but has a wider, more conical bore. Like trumpets and cornets, most flugelhorns are pitched in B♭ (some are in C).
Cornet
A brass instrument resembling a trumpet but shorter and wider.
Flugelhorn
A bugle with valves, similar to the cornet but having a wider bore.
Cornet
A cone-shaped wafer filled with ice cream.
Flugelhorn
A brass instrument resembling a cornet but with a wider, conical bore, and usually with three valves, in the same B-flat pitch as many trumpets and cornets but with a more deeply conical mouthpiece than those. A bugle with valves.
Cornet
The fifth grade of commissioned officer in a cavalry troop, who carried the colours. It is still used in some British cavalry regiments for officers of the rank of second lieutenant.
Flugelhorn
A brass wind instrument resembling a cornet but with a wider bore, and having three valves.
Cornet
(Music) A wind instrument of the trumpet class, having three valves operated by pistons.
Flugelhorn
A brass instrument resembling a cornet but with a wider bore
Cornet
(also kôrnĭt) A piece of paper twisted into a cone and used to hold small wares such as candy or nuts.
Cornet
(also kôrnĭt) A headdress, often cone-shaped, worn by women in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Cornet
A musical instrument of the brass family, slightly smaller than a trumpet, usually in the musical key of B-flat.
Cornet
A piece of paper twisted to be used as a container.
Cornet
A pastry shell to be filled with ice-cream, hence an ice cream cone.
Cornet
(obsolete) A troop of cavalry; so called from its being accompanied by a cornet player.
Cornet
A kind of organ stop.
Cornet
The white headdress worn by the Sisters of Charity.
Cornet
(obsolete) The standard flown by a cavalry troop.
Cornet
(historical) The fifth commissioned officer in a cavalry troop, who carried the colours (equivalent to the ensign in infantry).
Cornet
An obsolete rude reed instrument (Ger. Zinken), of the oboe family.
Cornet
A cap of paper twisted at the end, used by retailers to inclose small wares.
Cornet
A troop of cavalry; - so called from its being accompanied by a cornet player.
Cornet
A headdress
Cornet
See Coronet, 2.
Cornet
A brass musical instrument with a brilliant tone; has a narrow tube and a flared bell and is played by means of valves
Common Curiosities
How does the bore shape affect the instrument's sound?
A more conical bore, as found in the flugelhorn, results in a softer and mellower sound compared to less conical bores.
Why is the flugelhorn popular in jazz music?
Its soft, rich, and dark sound makes it ideal for the expressive solos and ballads found in jazz.
Can the cornet and flugelhorn be used interchangeably?
While they can sometimes substitute for each other in certain musical contexts, their distinct tones generally suit different musical roles and expressions.
Are the cornet and flugelhorn suitable for beginners?
Yes, both instruments are suitable for beginners, though the choice between them would depend on the musical style and sound preference of the player.
What genres are cornets typically used in?
Cornets are used in a wide range of genres, including brass band, concert band, orchestral, and jazz music.
What makes the flugelhorn's sound ideal for ballads?
Its warm, rich, and velvety tone suits the emotional and smooth quality required for ballads.
What is the main difference in sound between a cornet and a flugelhorn?
The cornet produces a brighter, more lyrical tone, while the flugelhorn offers a darker, softer, and richer sound.
How do musicians choose between a cornet and a flugelhorn?
Musicians typically choose based on the desired sound and the specific requirements of the music they are performing.
Is there a significant difference in the playing technique between the two?
The basic playing technique is similar, but players may adapt their approach to suit the unique sound and response of each instrument.
Can a cornet player easily switch to playing the flugelhorn?
Yes, many cornet players can switch to the flugelhorn with some adjustment, as the fundamental playing technique and fingerings are similar.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
