The naming of the F as a "contrabass" trombone has to do with in what
role it is meant to function, not just the key.
Before valves, in Germany a low F trombone was a "bass trombone" and was
similar bore size to today's large bore tenor. It was a rare
instrument, much more common was a Bb "bass" with no valve. To replace
both an F valve was added to a Bb trombone. This was intended to be a
bass trombone, but proved so versatile that it became a solo instrument,
and was adopted by the whole section in some orchestras, so eventually a
larger Bb/F instrument was made for the third player - today's bass
trombone.
At the same time the bass trombone in England was pitched in G - very
small bore. It remained for a long time, was not fully replaced by the
large Bb/F instrument until the 1950s-60s.
Meanwhile, late 1800's Wagner has a "contrabass" trombone built,
(Preatorius mentioned one, but it has to have been rare, and was
certainly difficult to play) in BBb. This was probably played by
tubists. It is a difficult instrument for trombonists to play.
The newer "contrabass" trombone in F is built to play those parts, is
more of a playable instrument by trombonists, but is intended to be a
"contrabass' trombone. It is very large bore compared to the old German
bass trombone in F (even if it is in the same key) so there is nothing
wrong with calling it a contrabass.
There is more to assigning these voice part names than just key.
Otherwise Urbie Green and I play the same instrument.
Hey, I've got it! This low F trombone is about an octave below an alto
trombone:
Let's call it a "CONTRA-ALTO TROMBONE!"
Raymond Horton
Bass Trombonist
Louisville Orchestra
Christopher Smith wrote:
On 7-Jun-07, at 4:35 PM, John Howell wrote:
At 3:17 PM -0400 6/7/07, Christopher Smith wrote:
And may I point out the ridiculous juxtaposition of the names "bass
trombone" which was applied to an instrument with a G fundamental,
whereas an instrument with an F fundamental suddenly becomes a
"contrabass trombone".
Never heard an F bass called a contrabass, not when there are actual
BBb contrabasses. That wold make an instrument in G, F, or Eb a
bass, not a contrabass.
Yep, that's what you would think, but no, the F and Eb are contrabass,
the G simply a bass. Don't complain to me, <I> didn't name 'em, I only
play 'em! (well, not so much the G or Eb instruments). ...
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