Review

Michael Kibbe
Humboldt Currents Op.174:
three trumpets, horn, three trombones, and tuba

Louisville, KY, United States
Publisher: Potenza Music Publishing
Date of Publication: 2014
URL: http://www.potenzamusic.com

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 6+ brass (choir)

Humboldt Currents is an original composition in three movements scored for three trumpets, horn, three trombones, and tuba. The composer, Michael Kibbe, has worked as a performer, copyist, and composer in Los Angeles for over forty years.
 
The work is well written. Melodic material passes throughout the individual parts with idiomatic writing for each instrument. It opens with an Allegro first movement that features an energetic melody with lots of rhythmic interplay between the voices. A slower second movement follows, with muted voices creating a contrast. The final movement opens with a slow introduction followed by a faster main section featuring two individual “sea shanty” themes that are eventually combined in a rousing finish. The three trumpet parts are in b-flat and the three trombone parts are in bass clef. The third trombone part could be played on either tenor or bass trombone. Written-pitch ranges: combined trumpets – c1 to c-sharp3, horn – a-flat to g2, combined trombones – E-flat to a1, and tuba – FF to g-flat.
 
The score and parts are clear and easy to read. The range and difficulty level would be appropriate for most college/university level performers, although the overall length of the work provides a challenge in terms of endurance and rehearsal time. This is a fantastic option for brass ensembles looking for a significant concert piece.

-Drew Leslie
Appalachian State University