A History of the Trombone, the first title in the new series American
Wind Band, is a comprehensive account of the development of the trombone
from its initial form as a 14th-century Medieval trumpet to its
alterations in the 15th century; from its marginalized use in a
particular Renaissance ensemble to its acceptance in various kinds of
artistic and popular music in the 19th and 20th centuries. David M.
Guion accesses new and important primary source materials to present the
full sweep of the instrument's history, placing particular emphasis on
the people who played the instrument, the music they performed, and the
relevant cultural contexts. After a general overview, the material is
presented in two main sections: the first traces the development of the
trombone itself and examines the literature written about it, and the
second investigates the history of performance on the instrument-the
ensembles it participated in, the occasions in which it took part, the
people who played it, and the social, intellectual, political, economic,
and technological forces that impinged on that history. Guion analyzes
the trombone's place in countries all over the world and in many styles
of music, such as art, opera, popular, and world music. An appendix of
transcriptions of selected primary source documents, including
translations, and a comprehensive bibliography round out this important
reference. Fully illustrated with more than 80 images, A History of the
Trombone appeals not just to trombonists but to students, scholars, and
fans of all musical instruments.
