Twentieth Century Brass Instruments
Brass instruments such as the tuba, trumpet and saxophone have a long and detailed history. The 20th century brought many changes and inventions that brought about the further evolution of brass instruments and the music they make. Many musicians became famous in the 20th century for their skillful, ingenious and creative methods of playing brass instruments.
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Innovation
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Brass instrument designers created new and interesting brass instruments in the 20th century. The piccolo B-flat trumpet came about in 1905, made to easily create the high pitched sounds made famous by the clarino style of playing. Additionally, the double trigger-based trombone came about in the 1950s. Designers added a second rotor valve to the standard trombone.
Composers
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Composers such as Richard Strauss created music specifically for brass instruments. The famous Second Concerto for Horn, written in 1942, glorified the brass instrument. Other composers, such as Ralph Vaughan Williams, targeted an even more interesting brass instrument. In 1954 he wrote the Brass Tuba Concerto, featuring an instrument traditionally seen as support rather than as a solo instrument.
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Jazz
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The creative, intriguing, melting pot that is jazz music owes its origins and influences to 20th century brass instrument players. Musicians created special styles to exemplify the jazz sound that was taking over in the early 20th century. Jazz trumpet was made famous by artists like Louis Armstrong, and jazz trombone by artists like Tommy Dorsey. These players' expertise and technical ability helped classical musicians gain a new level of respect for brass instruments in the 20th century.
Soloists
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The 20th century had a remarkable array of talented brass instrument soloists. Henry James "Red" Allen, born in New Orleans in 1908, helped create the jazz trumpet style along with Louis Armstrong. Miles Anderson, born in California in 1937, became a world-renowned trombonist. Christian Lindberg, a Swedish trombone player, followed in Anderson's footsteps, building a career for himself as a solo trombonist. Maurice Andre, born in France in 1933, was an amateur trumpeter like his father; at the age of 14, he decided to take the instrument seriously. Within a few years, Andre was studying in a conservatory in Paris and later joined several world-famous orchestras. He is known for his extraordinary talent as a solo trumpeter.
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References
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