Walter Holy and Michael Laird: The Evolution of the Finger-Holed Trumpet

Описание: This video, filmed in Wandsworth in May 2023, features a rare and insightful interview with the now-retired trumpeter Michael Laird (b. 1942). In it, he reflects on his studies with Walter Holy (1921–2006), which began in 1963, and the development of the finger-holed trumpet during the ‘Early Music Revival’ of the late 20th century.

Michael Laird discusses how Walter Holy’s pioneering three-hole system, developed in Cologne in c. 1958 with the trumpet maker Helmut Finke (1923–2009) and the bassoonist Otto Steinkopf (1904–1980), shaped the trajectory of trumpet playing. The three-hole system was originally developed for use on coiled trumpets. However, when this system was applied to trumpets in the twice-wound format, preserving the three hole positions required adding an extra loop of tubing to the top bow of the trumpet.

The system developed by Michael Laird in London (c. 1970) consisted of four holes placed in close succession; this negated the need for an additional loop of tubing in the trumpet, allowing the design of the finger-holed trumpet to more closely follow the format of historical natural trumpets found in museums. This four-hole system became the standard for many players in the United Kingdom and beyond. Due to the close spacing of the four holes, it became possible for instrument makers to produce finger-holed trumpets that could be easily converted into natural trumpets by means of a single interchangeable second yard.

This fascinating interview is framed by the story of Michael’s encounters with Walter Holy, a concert in Wuppertal in 1963 in which he heard Walter Holy playing, and three coiled trumpets made by Finke, one of which was originally Holy’s, later Laird’s, and is now in Gilmour’s care.

He also mentions many of his colleagues, including trumpeters John Wilbraham, Iaan Wilson, Philip Jones, Crispian Steele-Perkins, David Staff, Bob Farley, Steve Keavy, and Mark Bennett.

Thank you for watching; please like the video and subscribe to the channel. If you would like to know more about the history and repertoire of the natural trumpet, please read the book ‘Just’ Natural Trumpet by Russell Gilmour, available at: https://www.justnaturaltrumpet.com

Read more, about the making of this film, in this blog article: https://www.russellgilmour.co.uk/blog...

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:28 Walter Holy and Michael Laird: The Evolution of the Finger-Holed Trumpet
03:00 Weihnachts Concert in Wuppertal in 1963
10:37 Finger-hole systems
18:55 Adjusting to the four-hole system
20:38 Early adopters
23:23 Playing without holes
25:03 Advantages of the four-hole system
27:35 Any outstanding moments?
32:00 The four-hole system ‘as a stepping stone’ to playing without holes
33:38 Do you see yourself as a pioneer?
33:17 ‘What trumpet did Bach use?’
38:11 The Gottfried Reiche portrait
39:52 Did you keep in touch with Walter Holy?
42:05 Conclusion

Michael Laird was interviewed by Russell Gilmour, who doubled as editor, with photography by Zen Grisdale.

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