Written by Russian trumpeter, pedagogue, and composer Karl Wilhelm (Vasily Georgievich) Brandt (1869-1923), considered by many to be the founder of the Russian trumpet school, Brandt’s 34 Orchestral Etudes is important study material for the development of technique and artistry. The late Dr. Donald S. Reinhardt (1908-1989) loved Brandt’s 34 Orchestral Etudes and required it of all his trumpet students. Reinhardt, teacher of all the brass instruments, often stated that it was “the best etude book ever written,” and even jokingly quipped that it was “the best thing the Russians ever gave us.” Now, at long last, this great etude book is available for trombone and other bass clef instruments. In this age of increasing demands of trombonists (a full century after the advances made by Arthur Pryor), Brandt’s 34 Orchestral Etudes for Trombone is a welcome and much-needed addition to today’s trombone literature. |