"French trombone literature has a particular appeal for me. Its richness of colour and the affinity for jazz perceptible in many works have always inspired me to artistically realise my musical predilections." Thomas Horch.

Thus the soloist himself aptly characterises the works recorded here. In France, at the beginning of the twentieth century, a solo literature was established which combined the most divergent musical currents, stimulated by the spread of solo competitions. Elements of jazz found their way into the concert hall, but also traits of Impressionism, folklore and modern novelties were integrated. Many instruments found a whole new field of activity; especially the trombone, which had completely specialised in sacred music during the classical period, blossomed to undreamed-of virtuoso, soloistic brilliance. With the discovery of its sonic possibilities, it inspired renowned composers of widely differing stylistic orientation such as Eugène Bozza, Jacques Casterède and Henri Dutilleux to create brilliant original works.

Thomas Horch, solo trombonist of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and long-time member of "German Brass," and Fritz Walther, studio pianist at Radio Hessen, invite listeners on an excursion through twentieth-century French music.