The first impression the bass trombone gives is simply that of an overgrown, perhaps tumorous, trombone. The bass trombone can sound like that, too, when it goes deep down to its lowest B flat, at the bottom of the orchestra, buzzing like nobody's business. But the bass trombone's secret is a velvety smooth top and an ability to swing. Close your eyes and it becomes, astonishingly, the suave Frank Sinatra of the orchestra.
Once a family of instruments, the trombone is only found now in the orchestra as the B-flat tenor powerhouse and the bass trombone, with a longer slide and double tubing.
Instrument: Bass Trombone
In this film, Christian Jones introduces his instrument - the bass trombone. Why not download our iPad app, 'The Orchestra', to learn even more? Visit www.philharmonia.co.uk/app for more information.
The Philharmonia's Principal Bass Trombone's Chair is currently available for endowment. For more information on how you can support the Orchestra by endowing a player's chair, please visit: http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/support/individual/chair_endowment
Did you know?
Trombonists can play so loudly that they cause a shock wave travelling faster than the speed of sound.
41 - 494 Hz