Review

James A. Beckel, Jr.
Concerto for Trombone:

Milwaukee, IN, United States
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation
Date of Publication: 2015
URL: http://www.halleonard.com

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano
Secondary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with orchestra

James Beckel graduated from the Indiana University School of Music. He has been the principal trombonist with the Indianapolis Symphony since 1969 and serves on the music faculties at DePauw University and the University of Indianapolis. He has also been an active composer with numerous grants, commissions and prestigious premieres. The Concerto for Trombone was a joint commission by ten concert bands. It is available with three different accompaniments, piano, orchestra and band. The orchestral and band versions are available from the composer: www.jimbeckelmusic.com.

The composer’s own words:

Although the concerto is based on personal reflections and introspections, the composer, at a more mature age, is looking for answers to life's questions that most people have regarding their existence and the meaning of life. With age comes only the realization that he has more questions than answers to these great religious and philosophical mysteries. The composer decides in his own mind that mankind does have free will, but firmly believes that the consequences of man's free will can also lead to destinies that are unavoidable. The first movement could be subtitled more questions than answers. The second movement Adagio could be titled the search for truth. The waltz component of this movement...would be entitled the celebration of life, and the last movement could be subtitled unavoidable consequences.

Among others, noted trombonists Bill Mathis, Carl Lenthe and Joe Alessi have performed the concerto. Their comments include the following:

Not only is this piece fun to play, it exploits the beautiful legato singing style that all trombonists crave. The piece is a crowd pleaser and the melodies are memorable. I highly recommend this wonderful concerto to all trombonists. (Alessi)

…(this) trombone concerto is a major work of symphonic dimensions and depth, and showcases the solo trombone very effectively. (Lenthe)

Beckel's Concerto is a beautiful, expansive, and dramatic work. The music lies so well on the horn, it is obvious that this is a piece written for trombonists by a trombonist. (Mathis)

All three of their performances are available online:

Joseph Alessi with the Gulf Coast Symphony
https://soundcloud.com/jim-beckel/concerto-for-trombone-mvt-1
https://soundcloud.com/jim-beckel/concerto-for-trombone-mvt-2
https://soundcloud.com/jim-beckel/concerto-for-trombone-mvt-3

Carl Lenthe, trombone, with the IU Wind Ensemble https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9eVxgBPdtw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUgPRNY1_dc   
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvFzan2WttQ  

Dr. William B. Mathis, trombone, Detroit Symphony Civic Wind Ensemble.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWOK9CkQgoI

The musical language of this work is quite traditional. Harmonic, melodic, rhythmic, textural and contrapuntal gestures are all quite conservative. As would be expected from a trombonist/composer, the solo part is idiomatic. While it does require good musical sensibility, it poses no extensive range, endurance, rhythmic or technical challenges. It is performable by an accomplished conservatory or university music major. The accompaniment is symphonic in nature and adds immeasurably to the concerto. In that sense it is like one of the great Mozart piano concerti, in which the orchestra is an absolute equal to the soloist.

-Karl Hinterbichler
University of New Mexico