What is special about the trombone?
Uniquely among brass instruments, trombones have a slide, used to alter the pitch as it is extended and shortened. Though originally created in the mid-15th century, trombones have continued to evolve through the years.
What was the trombone originally used for?
Trombones have been used in a variety of situations, including the courts of aristocrats, churches, and in military bands. However, beginning in the 18th century the instrument was seldom used in secular music. Instead, it was used much more often in religious situations such as in church.
What are 5 facts about the trombone?
The trombone is said to be the “Voice of God”. The trombone is essentially a big tuning slide! The range of the instrument also closely resembles that of the voice, more so than any other instrument. The funeral of Ludwig von Beethoven featured a trombone quartet written by Beethoven.
Which is the lowest sounding member of the trombone family?
Bass trombones are found in many ensembles (groups) such as orchestras, big bands and brass bands. You can hear a jazz bass trombone solo in this recording: The lowest sounding member of the trombone family is the the Contrabass Trombone which is also the largest member.
Why was the trombone considered a divine instrument?
Trombones have a range similar to that of the human voice and are capable of producing awe-inspiring harmonies during concerts, so they began to be treated as “divine instruments.” Composers therefore are said to have refrained from using trombones in music outside of masses, oratorios, or other religious music.
Which is lower the bass trombone or the contrabass trombone?
The contrabass trombone is usually pitched in 12′ F a perfect fourth lower than the modern tenor or bass trombone and has been through a number of changes in its history. Its first incarnation during the Renaissance was in 18′ B ♭ as the ” Octav-Posaune “, while it was the Bass Trombone that was pitched in F, E ♭, or D.
Are there different types of trombones in the world?
There are many different types of trombone. The most frequently encountered trombones today are the tenor and bass, though as with other Renaissance instruments such as the recorder, the trombone has been built in every size from piccolo to contrabass (pitch of brass instruments).