Content area
Abstract
There is a severe lack of information about the contrabass trombone, both in instrumentation texts as well as books specifically dealing with the trombone. No current comprehensive treatment of the contrabass trombone exists which discusses history and literature as well as recent orchestral literature and technical developments. The present work addresses this lack of information.
Part One covers the historical development of the contrabass trombone from its origins in the late sixteenth century to the present. This includes a discussion of the use of the instrument by Wagner and Verdi as well as the manufacture of the contrabass trombone. Also addressed is the confusion stemming from the inconsistency of nomenclature of the bottom trombone part in orchestral works. The original intent of the composer is investigated in regard to terms such as "Trombone basso," "Trombone 4," "Contrabass trombone" and "Cimbasso."
In Part Two the treatment of the contrabass trombone is addressed through a selection of representative orchestral and operatic works. The Appendices include: a list of works calling for this instrument; works in which the use of the instrument would be expedient; and a list of surviving historical instruments in collections worldwide.
