1684—Germany

Daniel Speer, a former Stadtpfeifer, writes the autobiographical novel, Haspel-Hannß. In it, the character Bobbin Jack says, “When I had danced enough, I walked up near the musicians (which are called Spielleuthe) and listened to their playing and their silly jokes. Soon the master asked me if I desired to learn the lovely art. I answered, sighing, ‘Oh yes, Lord, if I could learn to play the heavenly bagpipes’ drone (meaning the trombone), then I would think myself as lucky as Paris.’ Then he said, ‘Come with the journeymen and carry home the violoncello, I will teach you as far as your skill and desire will carry you in four years.’” Later, during Bobbin Jack’s other travels, he auditions for Stadtpfeifer, playing trumpet, recorder, viol, trombone [Trombon], and other instruments (Howey, The Lives of Hoftrompeter and Stadtpfeiffer).