Bass Trombone Solo

This will be a great challenge for any college or professional Bass Trombone player and the audience will love it. Take on the challenge! Learn More

Written for Stefan Sanders, then bass trombonist with the Buffalo Philharmonic, and the 30th Anniversary of the International Trombone Association. In 3 movements, this colorful work was composed immediately following the important world events of September 11, 2001. It was premiered by Mr. Sanders and members of the University of North Texas Percussion Ensemble at the 2002 International Trombone Festival in Denton, Texas. It is in 3 movements: In Remembrance 9/11/01, Repercussions, and Renewal. Percussion Distribution - Percussion 1: Xylophone, tubular bells (chimes), suspended cymbal, snare drum, police whistle, and Chinese bell tree; Percussion 2: Vibraphone, 2 suspended cymbals, 4 tom toms, bongos, and wood block; Percussion 3: Marimba, tam-tam, lion roar, ratchet, slapstick, wind chimes, and suspended cymbal; Percussion 4: Marimba (to low A), timpani (4), tambourine, 2 cowbells, and suspended cymbal. "Buss’ melodies vary. They are mystic, poignant, heroic, often modal, and at times reminiscent of folk songs. He writes for the percussion ensemble with mastery and features a wide range of instruments. The sound landscape is rich with many moods and timbres. American Phoenix is an attractive addition to a solo program or as a feature piece for a percussion recital. It is rewarding for both performer and audience.” - The ITA Journal, January 2005 Learn More

This concerto, commissioned by music teacher William T. Robinson, was originally scored for Bass Trombone and String Orchestra. This Piano reduction was done by the composer and is a three-movement work approximately nine minutes long, each movement leading directly to the next.

The first movement opens with a slow introduction based on quartal harmony. The main portion of the movement is an allegro that explores changing meters. The second movement is slow, with a mournful character. The modal harmony is centered around D minor. The third movement is in an Afro-Caribbean style. The second and third movements include cadenzas for the soloist.

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Originally for bass trombone (or tuba) and piano, was composed for Charles Vernon, bass trombonist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the 30th Anniversary of the International Trombone Festival. This significant addition to the repertoire is written in an accessible modern style. The musical language is sophisticated, yet appealing to general audiences. Illuminations is cast in 2 contrasting movements: The first, Reverie, is contemplative and lyrical. Beautiful, expansive melodic lines are woven into a gentle, almost mystical, musical fabric. The second movement, Urban Lights, is an energetic rondo that is strongly influenced by jazz, and in one section, funk music. “Thoughtful, tuneful, and rewarding to perform.” – ITA Journal Learn More

unaccompanied; For Jonathan Warburton Learn More

In 2018, Spanish bass and contrabass trombonist Javier Colomer will record a new album that includes works for trombone and organ as well as for unaccompanied bass and contrabass trombones. The music on this disc spans four centuries, from Palestrina and Gabrielli through Handel, Schubert, and Faure, among others. The newest piece on the album – a work for unaccompanied contrabass trombone by American composer Frank Gulino – had not been completed at the time

Javier Colomer is an internationally renowned bass and contrabass trombone soloist and teacher who has given recitals and master classes across the globe for more than 25 years. During that time, Javier has performed with orchestras and wind bands both as an ensemble musician and concerto soloist, and presented masterclasses to over a thousand students from some of the world's leading conservatories and universities. He is a past member of the ITA Board of Advisors and also authored “The World of The Contrabass Trombone,” the first comprehensive method book for that instrument. Javier's advocacy of the contrabass trombone as a solo instrument is a natural extension of his experience as a performer and pedagogue, and he continues to regularly commission and premiere new works for the bass and contrabass trombones. Please visit www.javicolomer.com to learn more.

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unaccompanied: Outings was written for the British bass trombonist Jonathan Warburton, who premiered the work on March 1, 2013 at St. Martin's in the Bullring in Birmingham, England. This accessible work is in two short, contrasting movements: Stroll, and Jaunt. Will works on tuba as well. Learn More

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CONCERTO

“War Games”

I. Toy Soldiers

II. Courtship

III. Marriage

IV. Capture the Flag

I commissioned this concerto in honor of Maestro Charles Schneider, the founding music director of Glimmerglass Opera and recently retired conductor of four symphony orchestras in upstate New York: Schenectady, Catskill (Oneonta), Utica, and Clinton. Maestro Schneider gave me my first job when I moved to the area. In addition to the symphonies and opera, I enjoyed playing under Chuck’s direction for a wide variety of one-nighters with famous musicians, Broadway shows at the Orpheus Theater, and with two ballet companies. His impact on the musical life of Central New York over the past five decades is incalculable. He is currently putting the finishing touches on his own opera, Skaters.

Barbara York likes to find inspiration for her compositions in the life of the person who places the commission, thus the subtitle War Games, taken from my avid interest in tabletop board games.

Toy Soldiers paints a vivid picture of plastic men come to life, patrolling the house after dark, then returning to their game box as the skies begin to brighten.

Courtship and Marriage speak to the sometimes not so subtle “battle of the sexes” we often experience in our relationships.

When I first heard the synthesized sound file for Courtship, I was delighted by its 19th-century parlor music flavor. Ms. York later explained that she wanted to capture the courtship scenes in my Civil War novel, The Unfinished Work. She succeeded beautifully! The movement opens with Jake’s heartfelt emotions as he awaits the arrival of his beloved. When she arrives, a minor dispute breaks out: “I thought you said….” Jake splutters his defense but is cut off with her, “Did too!” Emotion released, his beloved turns to gentle flirtations; but after a brief interlude, her temper briefly flares once again. Jake calms her by pouring out his heart in music.

The mixed meters and minor key in Marriage keep the listener off balance and create a wonderful sense of intrigue: standard strategies from The Wife’s Game Plan?

Capture the Flag percolates with the energy and adrenaline rush of seeking to capture before being captured.

The piano edition was premiered by Frank Meredith and Charles Powers on May 31, 2019 at Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Schenectady, NY.

The band edition was premiered by Frank Meredith and the Catskill Valley Wind Ensemble; Andrew Pease, conductor; November 17, 2019 in Oneonta, NY.

Frank Meredith

 

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with Piano Learn More

with 8 part Trombone ensemble Learn More

unaccompanied: 1. Cryin Learn More

unaccompanied Learn More

with Piano; can be played on Tenor to Bass Trombone Learn More