Added the following to the Trombone History Timeline (19th Century—first half): c. 1850—Russia: Symphony Concert in Russia, a lithograph by R. Babajev, includes a depiction of a trombonist performing in an orchestra. A violinist conducts the group with his bow…
trumpet iconography
Serpent & Ophicleide: History and Images
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…
Melody for 200 Trombones: Caricatures by J.J. Grandville
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…
Trombone and the Dance, Part II
Last week I posted Early Trombone and the Dance, focusing on the dance role of the alta capella, of which the trombone was a regular member. This follow-up post deals with the trombone and dance in more recent trombone history. Once…
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…
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…
Trombone History: Distin Family Brass Quintet
Added the below image and entry the the 19th century timeline (first half). c. 1834—England: A print depicting the Distin Family Brass Quintet, an ensemble known for adopting Adolph Sax’s valve instruments, includes a member holding a slide trombone, indicating…
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,…
Elite Female Brass Band
Yesterday I added the below images and entry in the 20th century trombone history timeline. The detail of the poster only shows one trombonist, and the full image is hard to see, but there are actually two trombonists included. The…
Wedding Bells: Trombone in Wedding Celebrations
I just added another image to the 19th century timeline (2nd half), another depiction of a wedding celebration that includes trombone (c. 1885, shown below). Wedding celebrations constitute a fairly common theme in trombone history, with a total of 14…