1980—Alfred Blatter summarizes the trombone’s character and tone in his orchestration textbook

“The trombone possesses a very full, rich, and sonorous tone quality. In pianissimo passages, one or more trombones can provide a soft cushion of sound. At these softer dynamics, it is almost hornlike in its mellowness. In fortissimo, either in unison, octaves, or chords, the trombone is as assertive as the trumpet, but even more massive and powerful. Trombones played loudly are capable of being heard in any context (Blatter 161).