The Baroque Trombone: Trombone Book

Grandeur and control in equal measure. These pieces showcase the trombone's capacity for elegance and nobility without sacrificing the instrument's natural warmth and projection. There's a formality to the harmonic language that rewards careful listening and deliberate phrasing.

Intermediate to advanced trombonists ready to move beyond standard etude books into repertoire that demands stylistic thinking. This works for students building solo recital material or directors looking to program substantial brass work on a chamber concert.

• Shape long lines with strategic breathing rather than textbook phrasing; Baroque melody expects direction and arrival, not uniform dynamic control.
• Engage the piano part as a conversation partner, not a safety net. These accompaniments establish harmonic context, so listen for where the voice leads and where you follow.
• Ornaments and articulation choices matter tremendously in this style. Explore what the notation suggests about the intended character before defaulting to modern vibrato and legato.

Feature this as a Baroque era spotlight on a chamber or solo recital, pairing it with harpsichord continuo if available or letting the piano do thoughtful interpretive work. The 12-piece structure also makes it valuable for a student exploring Baroque trombone across an entire season of practice.

• Baroque articulation and ornamentation practices
• Phrasing across longer melodic arcs without modern rubato
• Stylistic balance between trombone projection and Baroque restraint
• Collaborative listening with a harmonic accompaniment
• Reading Baroque pitch conventions and notation