No less was to be expected from a class of musicians who
being discovered by the enemy or when it
is wished to surprise them, as also when it
is desired to decamp or secretly withdraw...
1
Equestrian Ballets
In time, tournaments gave way to military or
equestrian ballets. In Italy, early examples
even incorporated elements of opera.
Ferdinand III introduced the practice in
Austria where the Spanish school of riding
can still be enjoyed today in the
performances of the Lippizaner stallions. In
France, Louis XIV was also fond of these
horse ballets, known as Caroussels. Since
most trumpet music was improvised, few
examples survive from these engagements.
not only wore the feather of nobility in their caps, but were
also provided with horses and personal servants. Trumpeters
were expected to travel with their lords so as to provide
fanfares whenever the lord entered a town or castle. They
also relayed messages in times of war and political crisis as
well as participating in political intrigues.8 In Germany as well as France trumpeters were required in the
military, especially in the mounted cavalry. Trumpets led the way in military parades, but during battle they
were positioned at the rear of the battle alongside the commander, ready to communicate the various orders
of movement such as the standard calls to the saddle and the charge, which were required to maintain order
and timing.