Serpent & Ophicleide: History and Images

Gallegos choir practice

I recently came across two humorous ophicleide images from 19th century France (1847 and 1862, below) while doing some trombone history research. The ophicleide, by the way, is a fellow low brass instrument—a 19th century invention that is considered a predecessor to the modern tuba. An extension of the keyed bugle into the bass register, [...]

Melody for 200 Trombones: Caricatures by J.J. Grandville

Grandville steam

I recently added some images by J. J. Grandville (1803-1847; original name: Jean-Ignace-Isidore Gérard), a famous French caricaturist who frequently portrays musical subjects, to the 19th century timeline (1st half). The four Grandville images that include trombone, shown below, represent something of a shift in iconography, and perhaps the way trombone is seen by the [...]

Trombone Images from 19th Century London Newspapers

Remnant 218

I have recently added quite a few trombone images to the 19th century timeline (1st half, 2nd half). Many of them originate from London. Collected below are all the pictures from the 19th century timeline that come from London. As it turns out, they are all from newspapers. Several are humorous in nature. A couple [...]

Trombone History: Another Angel-Trombonist

passau cathedral

Found the below painting and posted it in the Trombone History Timeline–17th century (2nd half). Another nice religious image. The angel almost looks a bit soulful! 1668-93—Passau, Germany: Carpoforo Tencalla’s fresco in St. Stephan’s Cathedral includes depictions of many angel-musicians, including a trombonist (see facing image; public domain) (Crombie 50).