[Dixielandjazz] The trombone..

[Henry Mason]

Gents,

As one of the protagonists in a lifelong dispute with the trombone which it
is to this day still winning,  I must protest any besmirching of God's own
instrument.      Still I am not as eloquent as the old masters, some of whom
populate this list,  so I will bring to your attention the following quote
which seems to describe the proper reverence for this most noble of
instruments.

"*"In my opinion, the trombone is the true head of the family of wind
instruments, which I have named the 'epic' one. It possesses nobility and
grandeur to the highest degree; it has all the serious and powerful tones of
sublime musical poetry, from religious, calm and imposing accents to savage,
orgiastic outbursts. Directed by the will of the master, the trombones can
chant like a choir of priests, threaten, utter gloomy sighs, a mournful
lament, or a bright hymn of glory; they can break forth into awe-inspiring
cries and awaken the dead or doom the living with their fearful voices."
... Hector Berlioz,Treatise on Instrumentation, 1843*