Chalumeau, a word of French origin, refers to a musical instrument that is typically made of wood and used in early music ensembles. It is also known as a clarinet in the key of C, as it has a similar structure, sound, and playing technique to the modern clarinet. Some synonyms for the chalumeau include the clarinette d'amour, clarinet in C, and the shepherd's pipe. Other variations of the instrument include the treble chalumeau, alto chalumeau, and bass chalumeau. Despite its limited popularity in modern music, the chalumeau remains an important historical instrument that has influenced the development of many later wind instruments.