shawm
- noun
- /ʃɔm/
- Archaic
:
shawm
- The shawm player walks slowly in front, cheeks puffed out, blowing incessantly without pausing for breath.
Examples
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Ensembles of shawms, trumpets, and drums formed the typical Saracen military band during the time of the Crusades.
Academic text (1997) -
In Istanbul, it is a regular occurrence to hear a shawm and drum playing in the streets.
Academic text (1997) -
How about a shawm or a simple clarinet?
Blog text (14) -
It is fortunate that there are so many folk survivals of the shawm since they can teach us much about the instrument's history.
Academic text (1997) -
During the medieval festival, the lively sound of the shawm filled the air, captivating all who passed by.
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The musicians played traditional songs, featuring the haunting melodies of the shawm alongside other instruments.
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At the historical reenactment, the shawm was used to simulate ancient battlefield music, echoing through the camp.
How Low
Surface Forms
Etymology
Shawm comes from old European names for a 'reed' or 'pipe' used in music, for example the German word Schalmei. It is the older relative of the oboe, so the name helps you remember it was a loud woodwind with a 'double reed', like a big 'pipe'.