Effects

Several effects on the trombone explained and demonstrated by the Philharmonia's own trombonist.

Vibrato

Vibrato is a slight undulation in pitch. It can also be a variation in intensity of sound. Either way the effect is of a sound that 'wobbles' slightly. Written instruction in the music - Vib. or Vibrato. Sometimes with a wavy line just after the note. If a composer wants lots of vibrato, they may write Molto Vib. or if a plain sound is required, Non Vib. Vibrato on the trombone may be produced either by lip or slide motion. Slide libretto can be quite exaggerated if required.

Directional

Pointing the bell of the instrument in a given direction. Notation is verbal instruction. The film includes comments about pointing the instrument.

Glissando

A slide in pitch between notes. The beginning and end note of the glissando are written and connected by either a straight or a wavy line. Usually the word gliss or glissando will be written above. Glissandos within notes of the harmonic series are straightforward and characteristic on the trombone. Glissandos outside the series present more problems, and are usually 'faked' by sliding to the nearest available pitch then leaping to the desired note as quickly as possible.

Trills

A rapid alternation between two pitches - either a tone or a semitone apart. The example shows a minor trill (semitone) followed by a major trill (whole tone), indicated by accidentals over the note. If these are not given, players will choose a trill type based on musical context. Wavy lines to indicate the duration of a trill are optional. Trills are executed with the lip, and are more effective higher up the harmonic series, where the distance between notes is smaller.