Review

John Frith
First Trombonanza Suite:
Three tenor, one bass trombone

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2017
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

It is heartening to see established composers encourage young performers by writing music especially suited to them. First Trombonanza Suite by English composer John Frith is such a work. It was composed for the 2017 Trombonanza conference in Santa Fe, Argentina and is dedicated to Rubén Carughi, conference organizer and trombonist. The title page notes that it is “for ‘early days’ trombone quartet with teacher.” Frith earmarks the top three parts for students and the teacher plays the bass part.

The first movement, the playful “Totem Tango,” is the easiest of the three. A simple, stepwise melody alternates between the first and second parts. The bass part repeats the ostinato “tango” rhythm. The off-beat accompaniment parts will challenge young players. The top three parts remain entirely within the staff.

The driving second movement, “Full Steam Ahead,” features an active bass trombone line, undergirding two-measure ostinatos in the upper three parts. The tempo increases and the tessitura widens. The first trombone part rises to f¹ and the second part to e-flat¹. 

“Clowning Around,” the final movement, is also the fastest—quarter note=120. It features fast moving glissandi within a simple, repetitive melodic structure. At times, the lower two parts answer the upper two, giving the third trombone performer more responsibility.

The First Trombonanza Suite is an entertaining journey for young players. Second or third-year players will find it an enjoyable challenge. Placing the teacher on the lowest part provides the ensemble with a great foundation for both rhythmic stability and for tuning. Although a larger-bore tenor can reach all of the notes, a bass trombone will certainly make the part easier to navigate. Teachers of young students should take note of this delightful addition to our repertoire.