Complete articles index

Mathez, Jean-Pierre

Editorial

Founding editorial by Jean-Pierre Mathez, presenting Brass Bulletin as a trilingual forum for brass players and a platform for debate and research.

Dahlqvist, Reine

J. G. Albrechtsberger (1736-1809)

Concertino for chromatic trumpet

Study by Reine Dahlqvist arguing that Albrechtsberger’s 1771 Eb concertino was intended for Jew’s harp rather than keyed or slide trumpet.

Mathez, Jean-Pierre

Editorial

Editorial of Brass Bulletin No. 2 calling for international collaboration, critical exchange, and active contributions from the brass community.

Tarr, Edward H.

The Baroque trumpet, the high trumpet and the so-called Bach trumpet

Edward H. Tarr examines the Baroque trumpet and clarifies the origins and meaning of the so-called “Bach trumpet.”

Mathez, Jean-Pierre

Editorial

Editorial of Brass Bulletin No. 3 presenting new collaborators and affirming the magazine’s independence and community-driven mission.

Buser, Ernst W.

Contract of apprenticeship as Field-trumpeter 1703

Publication of a 1703 apprenticeship contract for a field trumpeter, offering insight into training, discipline and professional life.

Baumann, Hermann

Which Horn for which Music?

Article discussing the choice of horn according to repertoire, comparing instruments, sound ideals and stylistic requirements.

Aebi, Willi

The inner acoustics of the horn

Study of the horn’s inner acoustics, explaining how its structure and air column influence tone production and intonation.

Tarr, Edward H.

The Baroque trumpet, the high trumpet and the so-called Bach trumpet

Continuation of Edward H. Tarr’s study on the Baroque trumpet, examining the high trumpet and further clarifying the concept of the “Bach trumpet.”

Mathez, Jean-Pierre

Editorial

Editorial of Brass Bulletin No. 4 reflecting on the magazine’s development and reinforcing its mission as an independent forum for brass players.

Barboteu, Georges

The Horn is my instrument

Personal reflection on the horn as an instrument, exploring artistic identity, sound ideals and the player’s relationship to the instrument.

Mathez, Jean-Pierre

Editorial

Editorial of Brass Bulletin No. 5 reflecting on the magazine’s progress and reaffirming its role as an independent platform for exchange among brass players.

Globokar, Vinko

Possibilities for development of brass instruments (1967)

Experimental study by Vinko Globokar on extended techniques for brass instruments, covering microtonality, voice-instrument interaction and new sound production methods.

Krueger, Harold E.

An American trumpet player's impressions of european brass performances

An American trumpet player reflects on European brass traditions, comparing education, amateur practice and professional performance across both continents.

Stevens, Thomas

I chose to address myself to new music rather than new trumpet

Thomas Stevens argues that progress in trumpet playing depends on better training, repertoire and musical thinking rather than on equipment.

Knodt, Heinz

Singing lessons for brass players?

Explores how vocal training can benefit brass players, improving breathing, phrasing, tone production and musical expression.

Bouché, Robert

The column of air

A System of Breathing for Brass Players

Explains the role of the air column in brass playing, focusing on breath support, airflow control and their impact on tone, articulation and sound quality.

Bernoulli, Wilhelm

My collection of historical brass instruments and drums

Presentation of a private collection of historical brass instruments and drums, offering insights into their construction, variety and historical context.

Mertens, Albert

The trombone in Belgium

Published in memory of its author, this article reflects on the trombone tradition in Belgium and his lasting contribution.

Leloir, Edmond

The trombone with 6 independent valves

Technical analysis of the trombone with six independent valves, examining its mechanics, extended range and potential for new repertoire.

Mathez, Jean-Pierre

Editorial

Brass Bulletin reflects on its growth and mission, reaffirming its commitment to independence, dialogue and the international brass community.

Lloyd, Leno

Lip vibration characteristics

of the trombone embouchure in performance

Study of lip vibration in trombone performance, analyzing embouchure behavior and its impact on sound production and control.

Mathez, Jean-Pierre

Conversation by the fireside

A fireside conversation with Philip Jones, Elgar Howarth and Michael Laird—an intimate exchange on brass playing, ensemble culture and musical thinking.

Salmen, Walter

Russian music and musicians before 1700

with special regard to Brass Music

Overview of Russian music and musicians before 1700, exploring early traditions, influences and the role of brass instruments.

Mathez, Jean-Pierre

Editorial

A reflective summer editorial inviting readers to explore the history of their instruments and reconnect with their musical heritage.

Bonanni, Filippo

Gabinetto Armonico by Filippo Bonanni, Rome 1723

22 Illustrations

Selection of illustrations and excerpts from Gabinetto Armonico (1723), offering a visual insight into early instruments and musical practice.

Spruit, J. E.

The Fellowship of the Minstrels

Exploration of the medieval minstrel’s world, from marginalization and suspicion to the creation of fellowships that offered protection and structure.

Mathez, Jean-Pierre

Editorial

Editorial introducing a research series on Jean-Baptiste Arban, inviting readers to rediscover the man behind the famous method and his historical context.

Mathez, Jean-Pierre

Jean-Baptiste Arban (1825-1889) Biography

His First Twenty Years

First part of a detailed biography of Jean-Baptiste Arban, tracing his early years, studies at the Paris Conservatoire and the beginnings of his career.

Von Glasenapp, Franz Georg

Drollery in the medieval representation of musical subjects

Study of medieval drolleries in musical imagery, exploring humorous and symbolic representations of musicians and instruments in Gothic art.

Mathez, Jean-Pierre

Editorial

Editorial on the importance of exchange among musicians, encouraging active participation and warning against passive, hierarchical structures.

Mathez, Jean-Pierre

Jean-Baptiste Arban (1825-1889) Biography

The beginning of his career

Second part of Jean-Baptiste Arban’s biography, covering the early years of his career, his public performances, work with Adolphe Sax and the development of his famous method.

Saxton, Earl S.

Horn singing

Earl S. Saxton advocates a “singing” approach to horn playing, emphasizing tone production through vibration, breath control and vocal-inspired technique.

Janetzky, Kurt

Impossible?

Kurt Janetzky challenges the notion of the “impossible” in brass playing, arguing that technical limits evolve and that demanding repertoire—past or present—should never be dismissed as unplayable.

Mathez, Jean-Pierre

An interview with Jean Douay

What does it take to stay at the top of a major orchestra? Jean Douay shares insights on discipline, pressure and the realities behind the trombone section.

Mathez, Jean-Pierre

Editorial

A magazine for all brass players? Jean-Pierre Mathez tackles the challenge—and invites musicians to actively shape Brass Bulletin.

Mathez, Jean-Pierre

Jean-Baptiste Arban (1825-1889) Biography

The Success

At the height of his fame, Arban fights to reshape musical education—and to save the trumpet from disappearing.

Orval, Francis

The F/Bb horn with whole-tone ascending 3rd valve

A different horn, a different approach: Francis Orval explores how an ascending 3rd valve reshapes technique, intonation and response.

Périnelli, René

My teeth

A dentist visit that changed everything: René Périnelli reveals how his teeth directly shaped his trumpet playing.

Perantoni, Daniel

Contemporary systems and trends for the tuba

New music, new rules: Daniel Perantoni explores extended techniques, graphic notation and the evolving language of the tuba.

Tucci, Robert

The tuba in Europe

Why does the tuba sound different across Europe? Robert Tucci explores national styles, instruments and orchestral traditions.

Huber, Heinrich

The trombone: changing times, changing slide positions

Did trombonists always use seven positions? Heinrich Huber reveals how history, theory and early music reshaped the slide.

Mathez, Jean-Pierre

Meeting with Ib Lansky-Otto

“You cannot explain music — you have to play it.” A rare and elusive encounter with horn player Ib Lansky-Otto.