Guichard’s Complete Method for the Cornet with 2 or 3 Pistons is a very interesting and important work in the history of our instrument. It turns out that one of the very first usable two valve cornets used in performance was actually made by Guichard in Paris around 1935. It was used successfully in one of the earliest performances of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. The fact that he not only built the earliest of valve cornets, but also wrote a grand method on how to play both the 2 and 3 valve versions of the instrument is fascinating and worth a second look.

This edition is in French and German, but only the first few pages contain the text. The rest is full of exercises, studies, and a set of 6 duets to keep you busy. A wonderful find, and a book that I am very proud to have in our collection.

Check out some samples to the left, then grab an immediate digital download above.