On a memorable April evening in 1939, around 150 million people worldwide listened intently to a groundbreaking BBC radio broadcast that still fascinates listeners today.
The Historic Broadcast
“The trumpets of the pharaoh Tutankhamun!” proclaimed the BBC announcer, leading to a moment that would echo through time. A moment of silence was followed by the sound of a trumpet that had not been heard for over 3,000 years, resonating from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and reaching listeners around the globe. This remarkable broadcast served as a connection between ancient Egypt and contemporary audiences, as noted by Salima Ikram, an esteemed Egyptologist at the American University in Cairo. For James Tappern, the British Army bandsman who played on these ancient instruments, the experience was profoundly moving.
The Ancient Instruments’ Journey
The two small, ornate trumpets, one made of silver and the other believed to be bronze or copper, were treasures unearthed from Tutankhamun’s tomb more than a decade prior. Historical accounts suggest that these trumpets may have been used in royal processions or ceremonial events, as illustrated in ancient Egyptian art. The intricate designs on the trumpets—featuring floral patterns and depictions of Egyptian deities—point to the advanced craftsmanship of the metal workers of that time, who created both functional and beautiful musical instruments. The symbolism of having one trumpet representing the sun and the other the moon further underscores their significance in Egyptian culture.
Challenges in Execution
The path to the broadcast was fraught with difficulties. During rehearsals, a modern mouthpiece was unfortunately attached to the silver trumpet, causing it to shatter upon being played. The incident left archaeologist Alfred Lucas in shock, as he had been part of Howard Carter’s team that discovered the tomb. In a twist of fate, the team persevered, and shortly before the broadcast, a power failure led them to perform by candlelight. Critics later connected this series of mishaps to the so-called “Tutankhamun curse,” although Ikram is quick to dismiss such theories.
The Legacy of the Trumpets
Today, the trumpets reside in the Grand Egyptian Museum, a state-of-the-art facility opened with a commitment to preserving these fragile artifacts. The environment is meticulously controlled to ensure ideal conditions for both the metal and wooden components of the trumpets. Security is also a chief concern, especially following an incident where one trumpet was stolen during the 2011 uprising but later recovered. Whether or not the original instruments will be played again remains uncertain, as their delicate nature poses significant risks.
In the grand scheme of things, the 1939 broadcast stands as a powerful example of our connection to the past and raises questions about the lengths we will go to bring history into the present. As technology continues to evolve, the sounds of the ancient world—if not the instruments themselves—may well resonate with future generations, allowing the legacy of Tutankhamun and his treasures to survive in a new form.