Johann Joseph Schmied (1722–1797) was an 18th-century brass instrument maker working in Pfaffendorf and part of a multi-generational family of makers active in the region. His surviving instruments, many of which are clearly signed “Johann Joseph Schmied macht’s in Pfaffendorf,” place him firmly within the Classical era, at a time when trumpets and trombones were evolving beyond the earlier sackbut and natural trumpet into more refined orchestral instruments.
This example, made in 1778 during Schmied’s most prolific period, remains all original and unmodified. It was discovered in the 1970s by trombonist Heinz Huber in a church organ loft in Germany, where it had sat undisturbed for many years as part of a set of Posaunenchor instruments. Huber later had the instrument restored by Egger Instruments, including the construction of a modern slide, and performed on it throughout much of his early music career. This same instrument served as the model for Egger’s “classical tenor trombone,” and having spent time with both the original and the replica, it is clear that the modern copy is a faithful representation. The trombone later came into the care of Harry Ries, who recently entrusted it to The Brass Ark collection.
Trombones of this period represent a transition from the Baroque style, featuring slightly larger bell flares and a more brilliant, projecting sound intended to blend with trumpets rather than cornetti. At the same time, their playability remains closely aligned with earlier instruments, and there is considerable regional variation in design and construction.
Notably, this instrument features a beautifully stamped kranz, which serves as the primary decorative element on an otherwise restrained and utilitarian design. Schmied also achieved a degree of international recognition during his lifetime, receiving commissions from the Moravian Church in the United States. Moravian congregations in colonial America imported complete trombone consorts from German-speaking regions, including a documented set delivered to Lititz, Pennsylvania in 1774. Surviving instruments associated with Moravian use from this period include examples by Johann Joseph Schmied of Pfaffendorf.
