The historical truth is hard to discern and musicologists often get lost in a maze of supposition or analytical axe-grinding. Our four contributors do not fit the caricature of the musicologist cut off from musical reality. Furthermore, with the exception of Dr. Heyde who is a professional historian with a world-wide reputation, they are accomplished virtuosos on their instruments who have also studied the past thoroughly. Their commitment demonstrates their desire to reveal to us the historical path which leads to the present day and their attempt to isolate its authentic elements.
The frontiers of research face the future as much as they do the present or the past. This is reflective work, important for any musician who wants to know how to play his repertoire intelligently, avoiding anachronisms and the naïveté of mixed styles.
Concert audiences nowadays are informed and cultivated. Critics are often well-read professionals whose reviews are read by thousands. If we wish brass instruments to be included in programmes of a high standard, we must demonstrate our own knowledge and musical intelligence.