I have always said—and firmly believe—that trombone players need to listen to great trombonists. Doing so serves two powerful purposes. First, you get to witness their mastery—their tone, phrasing, technique, and musical interpretation. Second, you begin to sharpen your own listening skills, an essential part of growing as a musician.
One such remarkable artist every trombone player should know is Christian Lindberg. Renowned for his virtuosic performances, innovative interpretations, and groundbreaking contributions to the trombone repertoire, Lindberg has redefined what the instrument can do. Listening to his playing is not just inspiring—it’s educational. His artistry provides a living example of excellence, creativity, and dedication to the craft that every trombonist can learn from.
Read on and learn about one of the most skilled musician of modern times.
Early Life and Musical Journey
Christian Lindberg was born in Danderyd, Sweden, in 1958, and grew up in a family that appreciated music but had no idea their son would one day change the face of the trombone.
Lindberg started playing the trumpet at age 8 before ever touching the trombone. He played trumpet for several years during his childhood in Sweden and only switched to the trombone at around age 16, after hearing a recording of Arthur Pryor’s “Blue Bells of Scotland” performed by Swedish trombonist Per Gade.
That single experience was a turning point—Lindberg decided right then that he wanted to play the trombone. Unlike many professional musicians who start at a very young age, Lindberg began relatively late, but he made up for lost time with intense dedication. Within just a few years of beginning the trombone, his natural ability and relentless work ethic set him apart from his peers.
Christian studied at the Royal Swedish Academy of Music under Sven-Erik Eriksson. By age 18, he secured a position in the Royal Swedish Opera Orchestra, but left two years later to pursue a solo career. He studied further with John Iveson (London) and Ralph Sauer and Roger Bobo (Los Angeles). It was during this period that he began experimenting with solo repertoire—something few trombonists dared to do at the time.
What followed was extraordinary. Lindberg quickly rose through the ranks of the European classical scene, performing with major orchestras and winning international competitions. But rather than settling into a comfortable orchestral career, he pursued something far more ambitious: he set out to become the world’s first full-time solo trombonist—a goal that many thought was impossible.
Trailblazing Solo Career
In 1981, Christian Lindberg won the Nordic Soloists’ Biennale, launching his international solo career. His debut concert in 1984 featured Henri Tomasi’s Trombone Concerto. That same year, he released his first album, The Virtuoso Trombone, under BIS Records. Over his career, Lindberg has recorded over 60 albums and premiered more than 80 works written specifically for him.
Notable premieres include Jan Sandström’s Motorbike Concerto and Luciano Berio’s Sequenza V. Lindberg has also composed works such as Arabenne (1997), Mandrake in the Corner (2006), and Kundraan (2008).
Popular Recordings by Christian Lindberg
| Album (Amazon link) | Emphasis of Technique and Style | |
| 1 | Classical Trombone Concertos | A strong survey of standard trombone concertos great for students to compare classical phrasing and tone from a master. |
| 2 | Romantic Trombone Concertos | Shows Lindberg’s expressive side in the Romantic repertoire – emphasizes how listening widens musical style awareness. |
| 3 | Trombone Music | A somewhat mixed program recording; good example of tone/technique across varying repertoire. |
| 4 | The Romantic Trombone | Focus on Romantic and lyrical works – shows the singing line quality in trombone playing. |
| 5 | The Burlesque Trombone | A more playful / characterful side of Lindberg. You can point out how listening to varied moods expands a player’s interpretive palette. |
| 6 | Swedish Trombone Concertos | A niche / national-style recording – good to illustrate the breadth of repertoire and importance of exploring beyond the most obvious works. |
Innovating the Trombone
Lindberg collaborated with C.G. Conn to develop the patented CL2000 F-attachment rotorin 1999. The design features a shallower curvature and a 45° turn, creating a more open-blowing valve register compared to traditional rotary valves. This innovation is used in Conn instruments marketed as the CL2000.
Conducting and Multifaceted Career
Beyond performing, Lindberg is an accomplished conductor. He debuted with the Northern Sinfonia in 2000 and has led ensembles such as:
• Nordic Chamber Orchestra (2004–2011)
• Swedish Wind Ensemble (2005–2012)
• Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra (until 2018)
• Israel Netanya Kibbutz Orchestra (2016–2021)
He has also championed Swedish composer Allan Pettersson, recording and promoting his symphonies.
Awards and Recognition
Christian Lindberg’s talent and contributions have been recognized globally:
• International Classical Music Awards Artist of the Year (2016)
• Litteris et Artibus award (2004)
• International Trombone Association Award (1991)
Legacy and Influence
Lindberg is considered one of the greatest brass players in history. He has premiered over 300 works, recorded more than 100 solo albums, and significantly expanded the trombone repertoire. His dedication continues to inspire musicians and audiences worldwide.
Why Every Trombonist Should Listen to Christian Lindberg
Every developing trombonist needs models of excellence—players whose artistry sets the standard for what the instrument can achieve. Christian Lindberg is one of those rare musicians who has not only mastered his craft but also reshaped the future of the trombone. Listening to his recordings and performances gives students and professionals alike a masterclass in tone, technique, phrasing, and musical imagination.
When you listen to Lindberg, you hear how music and personality merge—how phrasing brings emotion to life and how technical mastery becomes a vehicle for expression. This kind of listening trains your ear to recognize beauty, precision, and musical intent. It also encourages you to broaden your horizons, exploring new styles, composers, and interpretive ideas.
As I often tell my students, “You can’t develop great playing without great listening.” By studying artists like Christian Lindberg, trombonists not only witness excellence—they absorb it. Every note he plays reminds us that the trombone is a voice of limitless potential, capable of both power and poetry.
So, if you truly want to grow as a trombonist, take time to listen. Let Christian Lindberg’s music challenge, inspire, and guide you. His artistry is more than performance—it’s a lesson in what is possible when talent meets passion and vision.