Repertoire

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Bones Apart performs a huge variety of music combining original works and skillful arrangements. To create the broadest spectrum of sonorities and range we use all the members of the trombone family: alto, tenor and bass trombones. 

The trombone (originally called the 'sackbut') dates back to the early 15th century where it was commonly used in both sacred and secular musical settings. The instrument was particularly popular with composers Giovanni Gabrieli, Claudio Monteverdi and Heinrich Schütz. In later years Ludwig van Beethoven, Anton Bruckner and Igor Stravinsky all wrote music for trombone ensemble. Beethoven wrote 'Drei Equali' for four trombones in 1812 and they were played at his funeral. The Equali were also performed at the state funeral of King Edward VII in 1910.

The sound of the trombone has often been described as the instrument closest to the human voice. Berlioz described the trombone the “true head of the family of wind instruments” and Elgar and Holst both played the trombone, in fact Gustav Holst was a member of the Scottish Orchestra, now the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

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Bones Apart has commissioned many new works for trombone quartet from composers including Gary Carpenter, Matthew Taylor, Christian Lindberg, John Kenny, Dan Jenkins and Peter Meechan.

Here are some examples of the variety of programmes we perform. We can also tailor our programme by request to suit any event.