In the beginning

• The cornet came about in 1825 when it was developed from the French post horn. It has also been said that it evolved from the bugle horn (a seven to eight foot horn that was used to exalt Kings and other royalty). This first horn, created by Halary of Paris (also known as Jean-Hilaire Aste), was named the valve cornet.
  
  

Name Changes

• The next incarnation of the cornet was named the cornet d'harmonie and then was later changed to cornet a pistons. The instrument was also referred to by different names in other countries. In Germany it was called the Posthorn mi Ventil, and the cornopean, cornet and stop horn in England.
  
  

Modern Cornet

• It wasn't until 1855 that the modern cornet as we know it today emerged. It appeared to look just like a trumpet, but was physically shorter. This was caused by what is called the "shepherd's crook," which is the shortening of the bell tubing on the instrument. It was manufactured by Antoine Courtols and was named the "modele anglais."
  
  

The Vintage Mouthpiece

• The vintage mouthpiece of the early cornets were sometimes confused with the french horn mouthpieces. They consisted of narrow rims with deep "V-shaped" bowls and sharp edge drop offs. Presently, they are referred to as "cookie cutters" because it looks like you could cut cookies out of dough on a cookie pan.
  
  

1900s and Today

• The cornet was primarily used as the solo instrument in musical ensembles during the early 1900s. However, in the mid-1900s, the cornet was all but replaced by the trumpet. Many pieces and arrangements of music was written with the idea that it would be performed by a cornet, but today the cornet and trumpet are used interchangeably. The trumpet is used as the general melody brass voice in British Brass Band style, while the cornet is a unique section that is featured in ensembles.