1636—Paris, France

Mersenne writes, “If another method is not used to play the trombone [sacquebute] than to play the trumpet, it imitates the tone of the aforesaid trumpet, which is considered vicious and unsuited for concerts” (Mersenne 272; Mersenne-Chapman 343). Speaking of the trombone’s technical abilities, he remarks, “Those who use it [the trombone] well perform diminutions of sixteen notes to the measure” (Mersenne 272; Mersenne-Chapman 343). Mersenne also observes, “Musicians have invented many instruments to mingle with voices, and to make up for the defect of those who perform the bass and treble, since singers who have low bass voices are very rare. That is why the bassoon is used, and the sackbut and the serpent, just as the cornet is used to supplement those of the treble which are not usually good.” Mersenne includes an engraving of a trombone (see facing image; public domain) (Mersenne-Chapman, 348).