What type of instruments are primarily featured in a fanfare?

Fanfare music is characterized by its use of brass instruments, which are typically bold and can project sound over a wide distance. The bright, clear tone of brass instruments such as trumpets, trombones, and French horns makes them well-suited for fanfare compositions. These pieces are often ceremonial and designed to grab attention, which aligns perfectly with the sonic qualities of brass instruments.

Fanfare typically serves to mark important occasions or events, where the powerful and triumphant sound created by brass instruments can effectively convey a sense of celebration or grandeur. While percussion can add rhythmic support and woodwinds can contribute melodic elements, it is the brass that truly captures the essence of a fanfare's dramatic flair. Strings are less commonly used in these contexts as they do not have the same capacity for assertiveness and clarity in such outdoor or large-settings scenarios typical for fanfares.