A composition by Belcke, his 5th military concerto for trombone and orchestra, was printed in 1829 and could have animated Neithardt to dedicate his Concertino for Bass Trombone, which was written around 1830, to his friend Belcke. In 1840 Neithardt resigned from military service and founded the Berlin Cathedral Choir, which under his direction became a famous ensemble that was later also directed by Mendelssohn. This first publication is a welcome and interesting addition to the trombone literature. -the publisher
NB: Though referred to as the Concerto for Bass Trombone, this work is actually far better suited to the modern tenor trombone. The tessitura of the work is almost entirely within and above the bass staff, with only a few passing F's and one low E. It isentirely playable on a straight tenor. All bass clef. -cdp