Recording: Gabrieli with 6 Trombones

I just added the below video to the Gabrieli caption that was already in place in the Trombone History Timeline (17th century—first half). The video features six trombones from His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts.

It’s a beautiful rendition of a beautiful piece, and a nice illustration of why the trombone was a frequent partner with voice through much of the instrument’s early history. Adam Woolf, the trombonist on the far left, has been featured before in this blog for his sackbut method book. He also has an excellent solo sackbut CD.

 

1615—Venice, Italy: A collection of Giovanni Gabrieli’s works is published 3 years after his death. Trombone is featured prominently. For example, Jubilate Deo is scored for alto voice, tenor voice, 5 trombones, 2 cornetts, and bassoon. Surrexit Christus is scored for alto voice, tenor voice, bass voice, 4 trombones, 2 cornetts, and 2 violins, and features extended instrumental sections (Roche, North Italian 115). Canzon XVIII a 14 calls for 10 trombones and 4 cornetts (Collver 51). Canzon XX calls for 2 trombones and 1 cornett (Winkler 299). Suscipe a 12 calls for 6 voices and 6 trombones (Bartlett, Giovanni Gabrieli: A Guide).