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54 MILITARY MUSIC AND ITS STORY. |
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Here and there, however, a band was adopted as we are told in a work of 1760—the "Discipline of the Light Horse" by Hinde.8 But it served only for dismounted work, the trumpeter band alone being used when mounted.9 With regiments of dragoons matters were on a different footing. They were available for both mounted and dismounted duties, and had from their inauguration employed bands cf "hautboys," which appear to have undergone the usual development by the addition of bassoons and French horns. By the middle of the eighteenth century, dragoons became to be looked upon more as cavalry than hitherto, and were drilled and accoutred as such. Hence it was found that the side drum, as a signalling instrument, was altogether out of place with them, and the result that the trumpet was substituted. The change was brought about (so 'tis said) by a Colonel Dalrymple, who wrote in his "Military Essay" (1760) concerning the merits of both instruments. However, the order was issued in 176410 for the adoption of the trumpet, although it was not put into effect until two years later. Dragoons now having their trumpeters' bands began to neglect their " bands of music," probably for the reason that the state provided for their " trumpeter bands," as they did the " drums and
'This early edition of Hinde's book I have not seen, but I quote from Fortescue's "History of the British Army." * Hinde, " Discipline of the Light Horse," 1778.
"Grose, "Military Antiquities," 1801, says, "about the year 1759." Grove says the same. |
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