TromboneChat

Hello fellow trombonists,

I will soon be playing Grieg piano concerto.



So far I would be the only trombone, our tubist will play the 3rd trombone part.

What would you use on first?

I don't own (and am not able to play) an alto, and I think it would not fit.
Small bore or large bore?

Large tenor

harrisonreed wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 6:15 am Large tenor

Plus one. It would be good to find someone to cover 2nd - there are some beautiful short little chorales with nice chords. You need all 3 parts to hear the harmony, and you also need 3 players who can play softly with a good sound (and in tune). Not a big part otherwise - there's also some nice writing for the brass section at the end of the piece where there's a broad loud chorale-like statement of the theme.

Jim Scott

Yes, I'm looking for someone to fill in.
We have 2 concerts last weekend (on a different repertoire), I had to cover all 3 parts and a horn part, I brought 3 instruments with me (large tenor, bass and my alto horn for the horn part) it was a nightmare.

I mean, I think you might actually be helping to perpetuate whatever dire circumstances that orchestra is in if you think it's cool to roll in and play four parts as one person.

Situations where there is one person stressing out trying to bail water out of a sinking ship ... You gotta let it completely fail so that the management realizes they need to fix it. I don't know what kind of orchestra it is, but surely they can do *something* to get players in.

It's an amateur orchestra, we are definitely trying to get players, but it's hard to find trombones and horns around here...
In this specific orchestra I was the single brass player 3 years ago (playing trumpet), we were so successful recruiting trumpet players that now there are 4 of them and I switched to trombone

Unless claf's situation has changed in the last couple years, it's an "amateur symphonic-ish orchestra". It can be really hard to fill out a low brass section in a group like that, particularly if you're in a less populous area. Even here in the Los Angeles metro area, it can be hard to find people to play low brass in an amateur orchestra. Plenty of people who are willing to come in for maybe one rehearsal and play the concert (not all of whom have the requisite skill to do so), but not many that are willing to be there every week.

I just want to say to have fun! With a great pianist that should be tons of fun to plow through even with seasoned amateurs. This was one of my favorite piano concertos to listen to, growing up.

Forgive me - I just can't resist - the short detour:

* * * The Grieg Piano Concerto * * *

Gotta love Andre Previn!