Review

Ken Davies
Milton’s Trombones:
4-part trombone choir

Gautier, Missouri, United States
Publisher: Kenvad Music
Date of Publication: 2003

For four trombones. Score.

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

Composed for the New Orleans Trombone Choir directed by Milton Bush, Davies has scored this for four-parts suitable for choir or quartet.  A very accessible A-B-A form, the key signature indicates C and commercial harmonies are tastefully used.  Never scored above mezzo forte, the lyrical lines and shared obbligato require command of legato, and subtle rubato is essential to maintain audience interest. Pyramid stacking and bass versus the three tenors are commonly used compositional techniques.  The piece concludes with a descending motive through the four parts.  Parts were not included in this review, yet they are indicated in the order catalog. This could be effectively placed in a program alternate more aggressive works and would be suitable for a younger ensemble.