Instruments of the Modern Symphony Orchestra/SLIDE TROMBONE

by Arthur Edward Johnstone

TROMBONE

Fred L. Blodgett
N.Y. Philharmonic Orchestra

This instrument differs radically from the other brasses in its possession of a free-running telescopic slide instead of valves. This slide enables the performer to adjust the speaking length of his instrument and its consequent pitch to a nicety. In fact, the precise manipulation of the slide of the trombone is analogous to the correct location of the finger on the fingerboard of stringed instruments. There are also trombones with valves, but as they possess no advantage beyond mere facility of execution and are inferior in tone and precision, they are not used in first-class orchestras.

The tone of the trombone is akin to that of the trumpet—less brilliant, but somewhat richer and fuller. This difference in tonal quality is due in part to the inner formation of the mouthpiece which, though cup-shaped, is less shallow than that of the trumpet. Although the fortissimo of trombones surpasses that of any other instrument, an exquisite pianissimo is also obtainable. The former is gorgeously majestic; the latter, mysteriously solemn. Trombones may be muted like trumpets and horns.

Of the three trombones used in a symphony orchestra, all may be tenor instruments (in B flat) or the lowest part may be played by a bass trombone (in G). The range of the latter is from low C sharp up to G, a minor third below that of the tenor instrument. All trombones are treated as non-transposing instruments. Both the tenor, and bass clefs are used in the notation.

The range of the tenor trombone is:

FRED. L. BLODGETT
N. Y. SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA