Cromorne

The cromorne (also spelled crumhorn or krummhorn) is a Renaissance-era double-reed wind instrument. It is characterized by its distinctive J-shaped or curved body, which is typically made of wood. The instrument's name derives from the German krumm Horn, meaning "crooked horn".

The cromorne produces a nasal, buzzing tone quality. Its sound is generated by a double reed enclosed within a cap. The player blows into a hole in the cap, causing the reed to vibrate and produce sound. The pitch is altered by covering finger holes along the body of the instrument.

Cromornes were typically made in families of different sizes, allowing ensembles to perform polyphonic music. The range of each individual instrument is limited, usually about an octave and a sixth. The instrument's closed reed and cylindrical bore contribute to its characteristic, constrained sound.

The cromorne enjoyed its period of greatest popularity during the 16th and early 17th centuries. It was used in both secular and sacred music settings. While the instrument declined in popularity later in the 17th century, interest in the cromorne has revived in modern times with the early music revival movement. Modern reproductions of cromornes are now available and are played by musicians specializing in historical performance practice.