Chapter 1
The physics of the slide
Chapter 2
From sackbut to symphony
Chapter 3
The trombone's voice in the orchestra
Chapter 4
Beyond the classical stage
YOUR GOAL
Master of The brass beast with a slide
Ch 3 · The trombone's voice in the orchestra
maestro The Trombone in the Orchestra
Out of the cathedral doors (oh-oh!) / Trombones are rocking the symphony floors!
maestro Visual guides display trombone mechanics, orchestral seating, and Mozart's sacred duet.
maestro A neon infographic maps the trombone's slide mechanics and its famous Boléro solo.
Fun Fact
Wagner's giant horn: Richard Wagner invented a custom bass trumpet because standard trombones weren't heavy enough for his taste.
Glossary
trombone (noun)
A brass wind instrument with a sliding tube that is moved to alter the pitch. Beethoven famously introduced the instrument to the classical symphony in 1808 during his Fifth Symphony.
A brass wind instrument with a sliding tube that is moved to alter the pitch. Beethoven famously introduced the instrument to the classical symphony in 1808 during his Fifth Symphony.
Quiz
What mythological characters are represented by the powerful trombone section in Wagner's famous opera scene?
Quiz
Which composer wrote the famous trombone melody in the 1856 opera piece 'Ride of the Valkyries'?
Quiz
What makes the trombone solo in Ravel's 'Boléro' particularly challenging for classical players?
Quiz
In which 1791 sacred work did Mozart write a famous duet for solo trombone and bass voice?
Quiz
In which 1928 orchestral masterpiece did Maurice Ravel write a famously high and jazzy solo for the trombone?
Quiz
Which other brass instrument typically sits alongside the trombone section to anchor the low end of the orchestra?