Aequale beethoven biography

An equale or aequale (from Latin: voces aequales, equal voices or parts) is a musical idiom. It is a piece for equal voices or instruments.^[1][2] In the 18th century the equale became established as a generic term for short, chordal pieces for trombone choirs, usually quartets or trios.

The instruments were not necessarily equal in pitch, but formed a closed consort.^[3]

Commemoration of the dead

Aequales were conventionally used in Austria to commemorate the dead.

They were performed from towers on All Souls' Day (2 November), and on the previous evening.^[4] They were also performed at funerals.^[3]

While aequales might be played by other instruments, the sound of trombones was thought to be especially solemn and noble.

Trombones had also already acquired an association with death and the afterlife.^[3] Finally, the theological symbolism of the trombone, representing divine presence, the voice of th