Edward Hankins Tarr (June 15, 1936 – March 24, 2020) was an American trumpeter, teacher and musicologist who played a central role in the renewed interest in historical brass performance during the late 20th century. Born in Norwich, Connecticut, he combined a career as a soloist and chamber musician with sustained scholarly work on repertoire, instrument construction and performance practice. Tarr took part in recordings and projects that received wide recognition and were associated with award-winning initiatives in classical music.

Early life and training

Tarr’s formative studies included work with established brass teachers in the United States; notably, he studied with Roger Voisin, whose influence contributed to Tarr’s technical foundation. From these beginnings he developed a lifelong interest in the history of the trumpet and in techniques appropriate to earlier styles of playing.

Career and teaching

Tarr pursued a transatlantic career, living and working much of the time in Europe. He taught at the Rheinische Musikschule in Cologne (1968–1970) and held other teaching posts and masterclasses across conservatories and festivals. His pedagogical work emphasized stylistic awareness, articulation and the physical demands of both modern and historical instruments; many of his pupils went on to careers as performers and educators.

Scholarship, editions and performance

As a scholar and editor Tarr prepared modern editions of Baroque and Classical repertoire for trumpet, drawing on original sources and historical instruments to clarify performance practice. He advocated performing appropriate literature on natural trumpets, keyed or valved instruments as suited the repertoire, and published editions and essays that remain reference points for historically informed trumpet playing. Tarr frequently collaborated with ensembles and soloists on recordings and performances that sought to reconstruct period sound-worlds.

Trumpet Museum work and instrument studies

From 1985 to 2004 Tarr directed the Trumpet Museum in Bad Säckingen, Germany, where he curated collections of historic brass instruments and documented their construction, usage and evolution. The museum’s holdings and his curatorial work provided material evidence for scholarly argument and public outreach, informing both instrument-makers and performers. The museum is often cited in discussions of historical trumpet construction and technique; see the Trumpet Museum reference at Bad Säckingen.

Recordings, recognition and legacy

Tarr’s discography and editions extended access to neglected repertoire and influenced subsequent generations of players interested in authenticity and historical style. His involvement with prominent recording projects brought renewed attention to repertoire for natural trumpet and early brass ensemble, and he was associated with projects that achieved professional awards. His combined roles as performer, editor and curator established a model for musician-scholars in the brass field.

Death and continuing influence

Edward Tarr died on March 24, 2020 in Rheinfelden; contemporary reports indicate complications related to heart surgery and note his passing in Rheinfelden. His legacy persists through published editions, recordings, the work of the Trumpet Museum and the many students and colleagues who continue to develop historically informed trumpet performance. For introductory overviews and further bibliographic guidance consult specialist music reference works and catalogues, and see further reading.

  • Performer: Soloist and chamber musician with a focus on historical and modern trumpet repertoire.
  • Teacher: Longtime educator who taught at conservatories and through masterclasses in Europe and beyond.
  • Scholar and editor: Prepared modern editions and wrote on the history and technique of the trumpet.
  • Curator: Director of the Trumpet Museum in Bad Säckingen (1985–2004), contributing to instrument studies and public history.

His work remains a principal reference point for students and researchers of historical brass practice and for performers seeking informed approaches to early trumpet repertoire.