Recommended Recordings


"Imagination is more important than knowledge."

                                           – Albert Einstein


Lone Palm BeachThe philosophy behind Arnold Jacobs's Wind and Song approach to brass performance is dependent on two things: one's ability to generate a relaxed and efficient flow of wind, and one's ability to create a mental image of the music one wishes to produce. Too often, students are given an instrument and are suddenly told that they are now "trombonists". They can be taught the slide positions, how to play low and high, soft and loud, etc. They will get a sound out of the instrument, sometimes very easily. However, they will not get a great or even good trombone sound without knowing what exactly that is.

It is vital that you listen to recordings of great trombonists, and that you don't ever waste a chance to hear them live when the opportunity presents itself! There are so many good recordings available now; search them out and listen to them carefully. Wear them out, memorizing not only the tone quality but also the musicianship. Create a mental image of what you think the ultimate sound is and imitate it every time you pick up your instrument. You will be surprised at how quickly your sound improves once you listen to great recordings on a regular basis.

You should have two instruments, one in your hands and one in your mind. The one in your mind is the most beautiful trombone sound you can imagine and is the one you focus on while you are playing. The one in your hands should strive to match the one in your mind, although if a match is made, you need to improve upon the image in your mind. Work constantly on upgrading the trombone you perform in your mind. This is best done by listening to great trombonists.

You can learn from all instrumentalists, not just trombonists. You must strive to play as softly and as smoothly as a clarinet, as crisply as a xylophone and as delicately as an oboe. Most significantly, you can learn more about phrasing, expression and general musicianship from listening to great singers than from any instrumentalist. Everything you play should be sung on your instrument. To this end, I would recommend any recording by Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Jussi Bjoerling or Frank Sinatra. Listen to the shape of their phrasing, the clarity of their diction and the message and meaning they put into everything they sing. Their recordings are not only the best teachers you will ever have but also the cheapest.

Here are some recommendations to get you started on your own CD collection. Selections marked with a trombone are especially recommended. Have fun!

Top of Page

Tenor Trombone

Top of Page

Bass Trombone

Top of Page

Jazz Trombone

Top of Page

Euphonium

Top of Page

Arnold Jacobs

Top of Page

Low Brass Section: Orchestral Recordings

Chicago Symphony

San Francisco Symphony (w/ Blomstedt)

New York Philharmonic

Montreal Symphony Orchestra (w/ Dutoit)

Metropolitan Opera Orchestra (w/ Levine)

Top of Page

Trombone Ensembles

Brass Ensembles

Top of Page

Voice

Top of Page

Miscellaneous

Top of Page