Martinshorn

After being created, the prototype of the instrument was presented to Wilhelm II, who allegedly did not understand the instrument as a musical instrument, instead using it as a vehicle horn when driving his automobile.[4]

The schalmei was popularised as an instrument in the 1920s by the German Communist Party, inspired by the de:Wanderbewegung, movement played in bands consisting of 20-30 members.[5] This was particularly effective in the Saarland, where bands were often formed by groups of unemployed coal miners.[6] During the Second World War, many Martinshorns were destroyed by the Nazi Party, under the impression that the instruments were a symbol of Marxism.[4] However, in some parts of Germany, they were used extensively by the Hitler Youth, who, due to their ease of playing and loudness, used them to rally crowds to spread propaganda. [7]

The instrument underwent a period of revitalisation under the GDR, and the tradition of the instrument still prevails in some East German towns. The Martinshorn is usually accompanied by percussion and fifes.[8]

Martinshorns typically have three valves, although they do not function as in brass instruments, altering the instrument's tube length, instead redirecting the airflow into different bells. Each bell contains a metal reed, playing one note per bell. Most instruments only have 8 bells, so can only play within a diatonic scale, within the range of an octave. Some instruments have a fourth valve,which directs airflow to a modified horn, allowing for chromatic scales. The instrument is only able to be played at one volume, which tends to be rather loud.

Due to being a free reed, the instrument does not require any form of embouchure, tounging or intonation, only blowing; this greatly improves the instrument's ease of playing.[9]