Happy Halloween!

Riedt

I don’t have any trombone history entries or images on Halloween, per se, but this depiction of a carnival procession from 1589 includes a trombone and involves some fairly elaborate costumes. The image, by artist Nicolas von Riedt, is titled Fastnachtszug and originates from Basel, Switzerland (Salmen, Musikleben im 16 80-81).

Trombone Image: 19th Century Parisian Orchestra

XIR63425

Added the following image and entry to the 19th Century Trombone History Timeline (2nd half): c. 1883—Paris, France: Jean Beraud’s painting, The Box by the Stalls, offers a view, through a patron’s box seat, of a Parisian orchestra. Included is a clear depiction of a trombone (see facing image; public domain).

Trombone History: More 18C Timeline Updates

Added the final entries from Stewart Carter’s “Trombone Obbligatos in Viennese Oratorios of the Baroque” to the 18th Century Timeline. In contrast to those of the earlier post, these entries don’t involve alto trombone. _______________ 1704—Vienna, Austria: Marc’ Antonio Ziani’s aria, “Quel sembiante” from Il mistico Giobbe, features solo soprano voice with trombone obbligato (Carter, [...]

Trombone History Timeline Updates

Added the following entries, primarily to the 18th Century Timeline, from info contained in Stewart Carter’s excellent article, “Trombone Obbligatos in Viennese Oratorios of the Baroque” (Historic Brass Society Journal, 1990). I also added the entries to the Alto Trombone History Timeline, as they all include alto trombone. _______________ 1694—Vienna, Austria: Antonio Draghi’s aria, “Si [...]

College Professor Among Best Jobs in America

I was a little surprised to see College Professor listed as #3 in Money Magazine’s “50 Best Jobs in America” (Nov 2009). I love my job, but I have never really seen it as one of those high-paying or “trendy” careers that often fill these kinds of lists. The rankings are based on several criteria, [...]

Learning the Alto Trombone

I added a new page, Learning the Alto Trombone. Drawn from my own playing experience, research, and 10 years of full-time college teaching, it offers a few suggestions for learning the alto trombone.

Note from Adam Woolf, His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts

Adam Woolf

I got a nice note about the site from Adam Woolf, alto and tenor sackbut player in His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts and a number of other prominent early music ensembles. He is currently working on a sackbut tutor, the first of its kind. Please check out his excellent website–many sound clips of beautiful sackbut [...]

Where do you come up with this stuff?

One of the most commonly-asked questions resulting from this site is “Where do you come up with this stuff?” (read: “Why don’t you get a life?”). The reply is that I enjoy collecting this stuff, and, like a lot of collectors, I don’t mind a little browsing and detective work. It kind of goes like [...]

Trombone History: 17th Century Ensemble

anon 17C

Added the image below to the 17th Century (first half) timeline. Seems like the trombone’s always in the back…(see also here). 1600s—Italy: An anonymous Italian painting portrays an instrumental ensemble with diverse dress and a mixed grouping of winds, strings, and keyboard (see facing image; public domain).

Jazz Trombone History: Miff Mole

Mole

Added the following to the 20th Century Trombone History Timeline: 1922—New York trombonist Miff Mole records with the Original Memphis Five, of which he is an early member. He later becomes one of the most active freelancers in New York City, eventually joining the NBC Orchestra and performing under Toscanini. His continued activity in jazz [...]