Posted by Jay Bertolet on November 28, 2002 at 23:03:14:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Verdi Requiem posted by js on November 28, 2002 at 22:07:19:
Well, let's take the written words of the master himself:
"I still insist on the Fourth Trombone. That tuba (bombardone) is not a possibility...I cherish a Trombone Basso because if it should be too tiring and too difficult to play, try again one of the usual ophicleides that reach low B. In fact anything you like, but not that devil of a tuba which does not blend with the others."
This quote, taken from a letter written by Verdi to his publisher Ricordi in connection with the premiere of Aida at La Scala in 1872, clearly delineates the parameters of the instrument Verdi had in mind. A trombone, with sufficient range, which blends with "the others" and doesn't sound like a tuba. Knowing what we currently do about the many forms cimbassi have taken over the years, it seems clear to me what Verdi is asking for. Today's current cimbasso design, while more advanced than some of the designs of his era, seems pretty close to meeting these criteria.
My opinion for what it's worth...