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G trombones

To: brass-band@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: G trombones
From: A Myers <am@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 29 Feb 96 11:03:11 GMT
Reply-to: brass-band@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx




Henry Meredith wrote (28.2.96):

> I have not seen G Bass parts written in other than the sounding key in 
> bass clef, though it might be easier for modern players to adapt to the 
> instrument if it were transposed so that they could use their usual 
> positions on a visually correct part in either clef (first position as C 
> in treble clef or Bb in bass clef, but sounding G).

I think it would be only a hindrance in exploring the rich repertoire of
the G bass trombone (both brass band and orchestral) if all the parts
had to be transposed.  If a player is learning the rather difficult
technique of the G trombone, where not only the slide positions but
factors such a breath control differ from the wide-bore Bflat trombone,
it's better to learn the correct clef at the same time as finding out
exactly where the slide position for each note is. 

The G bass was, of course, universally used in British brass bands and
orchestras for well over a century, during which time the characteristic
sound of the brass band became well established.  One has only to listen
to period recordings to realise that it is a different sound world from
today's.  For example, the recently re-issued 1930s recordings of Fodens
Band under Fred Mortimer display very fine playing from the trombones,
all on the narrow bore instruments of this period.  The performance of
`Kenilworth' is particularly impressive. 

One does not need to be an old age pensioner to remember fine G trombone
playing.  Our friend in Silkstone was playing for Brighouse and Rastrick
in the 1960s when, with Walter Hargreaves, they were still playing at
Old Philharmonic pitch and producing the traditional brass band sound. 

If Henry can re-create in Ontario the sound appropriate for the period
repertoire, it will be a great achievement !

			 Arnold Myers	

Arnold Myers,
Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments,
Reid Concert Hall,  Bristo Square,  EDINBURGH  EH8 9AG,  Scotland
Fax:  +44 (0) 131-650 2425 (Faculty of Music)
E-mail:  A.MYERS@xxxxxxxx
Web URL:  http://www.music.ed.ac.uk/euchmi/


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