Germany
Unknown

Maple, brass
ca. 1960’s
Length: 51 in, Top diameter: 3 in, Bell diameter: 4.25 in
Wind Instruments – Woodwind Instruments – Double Reeds    

Versions of the oboe are vast and varied and include the historical shawm. During the Renaissance, double-reed shawms were used both as solo voices and as background sounds. They were particularly used in combination with trombones called sackbuts (one can found in this collection).  Unlike the medieval shawm, the late Middle Ages and Renaissance shawms used a broad cane reed controlled by the player’s lips. With the smaller size shawms, the reed could be placed inside a pirouette, a funnel shaped protector against which the player places his lips. This pirouette not only protects the reed but also helps avoid lip fatigue.

The German shawm most likely developed from the courtly shawm and became very popular at the beginning of the 18th century because of their mobility and adaptability. 

This tenor German shawm is in the key of D.  It is made of maple and comes in three pieces with a fontanelle. The fontanelle is a perforated wooden cover, shaped like a small barrel used in the Renaissance Period to protect the key mechanism for the lowest notes. It allows the key to function while protecting it from damage and hiding its asymmetry.