Thanks to Bettina Hoffmann, viola da gamba specialist with Modo Antiquo, for bringing my attention to a 17th century German festival book now available online. I already had one of the images, but was able to get a much better…
violin iconography
Trombone=Anarchic Press?
Browse through the images in the Trombone History Timeline and you will see that the trombone has had an exceptionally varied symbolism throughout its long history, representing concepts like religion, military, orchestral excess, and musical humor, although anarchic press is one…
Trombone History: Pair of 18th Century Images
Trombone images from the 18th century are somewhat difficult to find, largely due to the fact that the trombone itself was a bit difficult to find during that era. However, I’ve recently added a pair of interesting images to the…
Curious Trombone History Image
Added the below entry and images to the Trombone History Timeline, 17th century (first half). The instrument most clearly resembles a trombone, although the left-hand grip and the fact that the rear bow doesn’t extend behind the head is obviously…
Trombone in Russian Orchestra
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…
Trombone in Concert Scenes from the Early 17th Century
I recently added the first image/entry shown below to the Trombone History Timeline (17th century–first half). The painting is noteworthy for three reasons, in my opinion: 1) the performers appear to be upper-class, 2) the trombonist is female, and 3)…
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…
Two More on Paper: Sketches for St. Cecilia Trombone Images
About a month ago I posted Canvas, Paper, Silver, and Glass: St. Cecilia Trombone Image in Many Forms, tracing the life of an image originally conceived as a painting through several artistic media. Since then I have located two sketches…
Old Germany: The Trombone in Augsburg
Augsburg, second only to Trier among Germany’s oldest cities, has been the site of considerable trombone activity since the trombone’s beginnings in the 15th century. A painting of the Augsburg Cathedral that I recently added to the Trombone History Timeline…
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…