SHAWMS Meaning and
Definition
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Shawms refer to a group of double-reed woodwind instruments that were popular in medieval and Renaissance Europe. The name "shawm" is derived from the Old French word "chalemie" and ultimately derives from the Latin word "calamus," meaning "reed." Shawms were normally made of wood and had a conical shape, narrowing towards the top. They typically featured six finger holes on the front, one on the back, and a flaring bell at the end.
These instruments are characterized by their piercing, powerful, and bright sound, often described as raucous or strident. Shawms were played by blowing air through a double reed, similar to oboes or bassoons. The double reed consists of two pieces of cane, bound together and placed inside a metal or wooden tube known as the bocal.
Shawms were highly versatile and had great cultural significance during their heyday. They were used both for outdoor military music, as their loud volume made them suitable for this purpose, and for indoor chamber music. Shawms were a common instrument in ensembles of the time, often appearing alongside other instruments like viols, lutes, and recorders.
While their popularity declined in the 17th century with the emergence of the more refined oboe, the shawm had a significant impact on the development of woodwind instruments. The instrument became an important predecessor to various modern instruments, including the oboe, the bassoon, and the saxophone.
Etymology of SHAWMS
The word "shawms" has its origins in the Middle English term "chalemie", which is derived from the Old French word "chalemel". This Old French term itself likely originates from the Arabic word "šalām" or "šām", which translates to "Syria". The association with Syria suggests that shawms could have been introduced to Europe via the Arab world, possibly during the Crusades. Over time, the word "chalemie" evolved into "shawm" in English, and it came to refer to a double-reed woodwind instrument.
