What is chalumeau?

The chalumeau is a single-reed woodwind instrument of the late baroque and early classical eras. It is a predecessor to the clarinet, sharing a similar cylindrical bore and single-reed mouthpiece. Chalumeaux were typically made of wood and often had a simple construction with few keys. They were commonly used in folk music and early orchestral settings, often playing melodies and providing harmonic support before being largely replaced by the clarinet.