Posted May 3, 2012

Keith Johnston Premieres New Work

Trombonist Keith Johnston gave the premiere of Steven L. Rosenhaus "Nine Feet of Brass (A Concerto for Trombone and Band)" on April 29, 2012, with the composer conducting the Sacred Heart University Band. Johnston, who is the Director of Bands at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, had the band commission Rosenhaus to write the three-movement, 15-minute concerto.

The work consists of two lively outer movements and a slow movement that both Johnston and Rosenhaus agree evokes "film noir." No extended techniques are used in either the solo or band parts, as there are sufficient challenges in the music without them.

Johnston and Rosenhaus have collaborated before; in 2010 Johnston personally commissioned the composer to write a single-movement work for trombone and organ. The work, "A Blue Iris," originally written for use during Communion service, has since been played in concert on several occasions. Both "Nine Feet of Brass" and "A Blue Iris" are published by Music-Print Productions, with "Iris" distributed through LudwigMasters Music Publications.

Keith Johnston is available to perform the concerto, and Steven L. Rosenhaus is available to conduct.