The twentieth century trombone: expansion of technique

Baldwin, Kerry Jane (2013) The twentieth century trombone: expansion of technique. Doctoral thesis (PhD), Manchester Metropolitan University.

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Abstract

This work is a study of trombone techniques and how they have developed over the course of the twentieth century. The focal point of the study is the extension and expansion of the available performance vocabulary for trombone, using a series of case studies, scores and existing research. The expansion of techniques can be particularly identified by studying some of the most prominent performers and composers as well as the changing role of the trombone in the context of ensemble performance and some of the most prominent works that changed the role of the trombone for its future use through to the twenty first century. Included in this study is an overview of the change of the trombone due to the improvement of manufacture and addition of the larger bore and thumb valve and how these developments affected technique. The work of performers and composers Arthur Pryor, Tommy Dorsey, Luciano Berio, Christian Lindberg and Jan Sandstrom is looked at in more detail to establish their role in the development of trombone techniques. Important developments in technique in this study include the use of voice, mutes, theatricals, electronics, microtones and early twentieth century developments such as technical virtuosity and the singing style legato.