"ad lib" parts

[AtomicClock]

For the Blue Danube, the trombone parts say "ad lib" in the upper left-hand corner. Does that mean they're optional? That they can be passed to any bass clef instrument that wants to participate? I've seen "ad lib" embedded in music before, but not in describing the instrument.

It is not an important or idiomatic part. Sigh.

adlib.PNG

[AtomicClock]

The other parts are engraved, but trombones 1 & 2 are handwritten. Perhaps (ad lib) was just part of the blank staff paper.

https://imslp.org/wiki/An_der_sch%C3%B6 ... 2C_Johann)

[BGuttman]

I believe Strauss wrote for one trombone (bass). The other parts are optional, though I doubt anyone would welcome their being played on a Baritone, Euphonium, tuba, or Saxhorn. The ad lib trombone parts are actually covered elsewhere in the orchestra.

[AtomicClock]

Yes. Only bass trombone in the score. Maybe I should cover the harp part instead.