Finally, I gave an extended vote of thanks to the editor, Oliver Webber, who worked tirelessly on this project. I explained that it was an email from him in 2017 that had sparked the idea for this book. During lockdown I had a lesson on the subject of Leopold Mozart’s Versuch einer gründlichen Violinschule with him and I subsequently invited him to become the editor of ‘Just’ Natural Trumpet: it was pleasing to come ‘full circle’ in such a natural way.

This has been the fulfilment of a long-held ambition to write a natural trumpet book: I am delighted with the finished product and it has been wonderful to see how people react when they first see it. 

For more information about the book, and to order, please visit www.justnaturaltrumpet.com.

In ‘Just’ Natural Trumpet, acclaimed historical trumpeter Russell Gilmour guides the reader through the acoustics, playing techniques, and repertoire of this remarkable instrument, with its illustrious history, fascinating symbolism, and distinctive intonation based on the harmonic series. This practical introduction to the natural trumpet without finger holes begins with a thorough guide to the instrument inspired by the latest acoustical and pedagogical research. The reader is then taken on a lavishly illustrated chronological journey through the repertoire from the late Renaissance to the dawn of the Romantic era, with abundant historical examples that have been carefully chosen to help the reader develop experience and finesse as a natural trumpet player. Gilmour’s astute analysis and practice advice complement the historical sources, and his insightful approach puts the natural trumpet firmly in the spotlight. 

More information about the author:  

Russell Gilmour, the author of ‘Just’ Natural Trumpet, was born and raised on the Isle of Man. His enthusiasm for playing the natural trumpet was sparked at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, thanks to the inspiring influence of David Staff. This fascination continued to flourish under Michael Laird at the Royal College of Music, London, where Russell was awarded a Master of Music in Historical Performance with distinction. Russell is an established specialist in both natural and finger-holed trumpets. He has performed extensively across Europe, as well as in Asia, North America, and Australia. Festival appearances have included the BBC Proms, Leipzig Bach Festival, and the Handel festivals in Göttingen, Halle, and London. He features on many notable recordings, including as a soloist in Bach’s second Brandenburg Concerto in a Berlin Classics release marking the tercentenary of these iconic works.

Testimonials of ‘Just’ Natural Trumpet:

‘The ultimate guide on how to play the natural trumpet—totally practical even for the complete beginner. Not just for practice purposes: it is also a fascinating read and a most valuable addition to the natural trumpet literature.’ Michael Laird

‘I wholeheartedly endorse this book on the trumpet. No-one has written anything that comes close to the depth and breadth of this study—everything else pales into insignificance. I can recommend this book to both beginners and professionals and look forward with confidence to it becoming the standard guide to the natural trumpet.’ Graham Nicholson

‘This is an extremely worthy compendium for those seeking to understand the true, majestic nature of our noble, historic instrument and how to approach playing it. I would thoroughly recommend it to players of all abilities. There isn’t another book out there like it.’ David Blackadder

‘Over the years I have watched with great satisfaction and pride as Russell has risen to become one of the leading players of the natural trumpet in its many guises. Now, Russell has also shown himself to be a very fine scholar and researcher, having compiled and authored this unique book on the natural trumpet. If you have even a mild interest in the subject, then this book should be on your music stand or by your sofa, handy for constant reference.’ David Staff

‘Russell Gilmour’s exceptional musical talent, great personal charm, and commitment to the quest of discovering the ‘lost’ art of satisfactorily performing trumpet music from the Baroque period shine through in this superb and rigorously researched book, which is laid on strong scholarly foundations and greatly enhanced by many historical sources and illustrations.’ Crispian Steele-Perkins