Dust blown off Holst and Elgar's trombones

Sue Addison has been resurrecting two very special 100 year-old trombones with the help of Mick Rath's workshop. The instruments reportedly used by Holst and Elgar have been having some restoration work so that Sue can use them to record a CD. Until recently the instruments have been gathering dust in the museum of the Royal College of Music.

Brass specialist Michael Rath said restoring the instruments in his shop was the highlight of his career. 

For the story and video clips of Sue Addison performing on Elgar's instrument, see the BBC: Holst and Elgar's trombones

Holst made a living as a trombonist before composition could support him. The most recent BTS magazine has an article shows an historic photo of Holst as a member of the Scottish Orchestra (now the Royal Scottish National Orchestra) in 1901 and also the records of him playing under the baton of Richard Strauss.

Share this article