What do trombone history and the Christian adoration of the magi have in common? Well, I came across this painting recently, which has been added to the 17th century trombone history timeline (first half), offering yet another example of an…
music iconography
In the Details: Trombones on Casparini’s Famous Organ
Posted a much better detail of this trombone sculpture in the 17th century timeline (2nd half). You can even see an extension handle on the trombone. At the bottom is a large detail not included in the timeline. For many…
Headed Backward: Historical Images of Rear-Facing Trombones
I have recently added three more images to the Trombone History Timeline that feature rear-facing trombones. These trombones have sometimes been called over-the-shoulder instruments, a term that works for other brass instruments but is somewhat lacking for trombones: aren’t all…
Trombone History: A Soldier I Will Be
Recently added quite a few images to the trombone history timeline (19th century–1st half, 19th century–2nd half, 20th century) related to the trombone in the military. Here they are, below, along with their captions. As always, for sources, see the…
Gramophone Magazine
I was recently contacted by an editor from Gramophone Magazine who expressed interest in using some of the images from the 17th century timeline in an upcoming issue. Nice honor. Seems that some of the paintings, especially, are not widely…
Trombone History: 16th Century Angel-Trombonist
Added the following image and caption to the 16th century timeline–yet another example of an angel-trombonist, this time going solo. The engraving probably originates from Germany. c. 1570—An engraving by Franz Ignaz Brun from the Nine Muses series features an…
Trombonist-Panhandler in 19th Century France
Added the below image and caption to the 19th century timeline (2nd half). It is not known whether the trombonist fared any better than Joshua Bell did recently in the NY subway, or whether the “poor dog” is in reference…
Trombone Saves Man's Life
Just added this touching story to the 19th century timeline (2nd half): 1875—New York: Harper’s Magazine publishes a humorous fictional piece, “The Story of a Trombone,” with illustrations by Charles Reinhardt. The story is about a man who lives below…
Trombone History: Pair of Early Circus Posters
I continue to add to the 19th century timeline (2nd half). Over the weekend I added a pair of circus posters, both of them highlighting musicians. The first one, from Ringling Brothers, shows a large band with 10 trombones. The second,…
Trombone History: Au Conservatoire
Added the below image, a depiction of the trombone studio of the Paris Conservatoire in 1886, to the 19th Century timeline (2nd half). The image, originally from the French periodical L’Illustration, is a drawing by Paul Renouard titled Au conservatoire:…