[Trombone-l] When to use what instrumentation

[ALEX ILES]

That is a fairly good rule of thumb Wayne, but for me, it is the  
sound of the alto that determines when I reach for it. It is a very  
different sounding instrument. [Especially when you first start!!].

And it is this difference in sound that determines when/where I use  
alto. Regardless of the register.

D's, Eb's, E's and F's are not that much easier for me on alto. And,  
B's above middle C can be just as squirrelly as B's on tenor [sigh...]

The first trombone parts of Mozart, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Schumann,  
Beethoven, certain Brahms, etc. mostly sound best on alto to my ear,  
and a few of these parts are not even that high [maybe some c's here  
and there], but it is the sound and musical context that determines  
that choice for me. Yes, my system is highly subjective, and at the  
same time , I do not adhere too much to a "historical accurate" point  
of view. I think that there is usually not enough time to debate  
these things between now and a gig!!

Ultimately, I "pick the horn that works"!!

Also, depending on the situation, why walk into ANY performance  
setting playing an unfamiliar/uncomfortable instrument?!?

I don't know...

I just don't see much point in being "musically inaccurate" at the  
cost of being  "historically accurate"!!

LX

On Nov 8, 2007, at 6:29 AM, Wayne Dyess wrote:

> Good answer.
>
> My rule of thumb is, if I'm having trouble with a high Eb (or other
> "high" note)... reach for the alto.
>
> Otherwise, play what got you there.
>
> W
>
>
> On Nov 8, 2007, at 4:21 AM, Howard Weiner wrote:
>
>> At 19:53 07.11.2007 -0800, Mark Mohwinkel wrote:
>>> How do you decide whether or not to use an alto trombone or tenor
>>> trombone for the first part in orchestral works.  Some parts are
>>> written for "trombone" in alto, tenor and bass clef.  Some are
>>> written for alto trombone, tenor trombone, base bone, etc.  But I
>>> also know that alto clef doesn't necessarily designate alto
>>> trombone.  Don't say ask the principal - that's me.  Also, I don't
>>> think the conductor will know for sure (or really care) since it's a
>>> very amateur orchestra.  I'd prefer to play the alto clef parts on
>>> alto bone (for practice) but I'd just like to know how to figure it
>>> out.  How do you decide (if you're the one making that decision)?
>>
>> Although I usually argue that from a historical point of view many,
>> if not most orchestral first trombone parts were not intended for
>> alto trombone, in practice I tend to take a pragmatic view: use the
>> instrument on which you feel most comfortable and/or that fits best
>> to the situation. If you want to get some practice on the alto, do it
>> -- as long as the conductor remains happy and it doesn't cause an 
>> imbalance in the section. In other words, use your own judgement.
>>
>> Howard
>
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