24th Annual Student Research Conference
The Role of Trombone in Heinrich Schütz's Fili mi, Absalom
Julie C. Watts
Dr. Jay Bulen, Faculty Mentor
During the 17th century, the trombone was used in various roles for the performance of sacred music throughout Europe. Heinrich Schtzs Fili mi, Absalom from his larger Symphoniae Sacrae (Book 1), composed in 1629, is an example of a common use of trombone in sacred music during this period. This Italian cantata depicts the dismay and grief of King David at the death of his son, Absalom. The role of the trombone is to provide an introduction and portray the intense suffering of King David, and then to expound on the words, "My son, Absalom! If only I had died instead of you!" In the context of other sacred trombone literature of the time, this piece represents the increase of the use of trombone as a heterogeneous block of sonority, often as a representation of death and darkness.
Keywords: Schütz, trombone, sacred, music, Absalom
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 12-2
Location: OP 2117
Time: 8:15