Today I added the below image and caption to the Trombone History Timeline (17th century—first half). The number of angel-trombone images from the first quarter of the 17th century alone is remarkable and reflects the role of the trombone as…
history of the trombone
An Epic Struggle
Below is the latest addition to the Trombone History Timeline (19th century—2nd half). c. 1870—English artist Robert Alexander Hillingford (1828-1904) paints Trombone Player. The unusual grip and posture of the player reflect a humorous struggle (not to mention the impossible…
Trombone in Renaissance France
Today I added the below two entries to the Trombone History Timeline (16th century). Both of them involve royal celebrations in Renaissance France. These celebrations are part of what is known as the “Royal Tour of France,” a tour by…
The Trombone in Baroque Poland
In the early 17th century, Praetorius mentioned that there was a virtuoso tenor trombone player in Poland who could play as high as a cornetto and as low as a bass trombone. Aside from that reference, one doesn’t hear a…
Two Bones and a Serpent
I just added the below entry and image to the 19th century timeline (2nd half) and to the blog post, Serpent & Ophicleide: History and Images. 1865-1916—Netherlands: A painting by artist Willem Constantijn Staring (1847-1916) depicts bandsmen of the 9th Regiment Infantry,…
Trombone in Bavarian Abbey
Just added the below image and entry to the Trombone History Timeline (18th century). Interesting visual perspective—and definitely an unorthodox grip if it’s a trombone. c. 1705—Irsee, Germany (near Kaufbeuren): A fresco by Magnus Remy (1674-1734) decorating the ceiling…
Baroque Serpent and Rear-Facing Trombone
Yesterday I added the below entry and image to the Trombone History Timeline (17th century—2nd half). I will also be adding it to the article Backward Advances: Rear-Facing Trombones Throughout History, as well as the blog post Serpent & Ophicleide:…
Trombone on Organ Shutters
I just added the below image and caption to the Trombone History Timeline (17th century—2nd half). Elsewhere I have posted numerous examples of trombonists perched on organ pipes, but I believe this is the first picture I’ve added with a…
Angel Playing Trombone in Renaissance Painting
Just added this painting to the Trombone History Timeline (16th century). Trastevere is a neighborhood in Rome, and this church is said to be one of the primary landmarks of the area. The artist collaborated on paintings in several other…
Two Renaissance Trombones
Just added the below image and caption to the Trombone History Timeline (16th century). It’s a little like playing “Where’s Waldo,” but if you look closely, you’ll see two trombones there (be sure to click on the picture for a…