Review

Henry Wolking
Four Dances for Three Trombones:

Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2013
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 3 trombones

Composer, trombonist and conductor, Henry Wolking, is now retired from a 40 year career as the head of the jazz area at The University of Utah School of Music. This work consists of contrasting movements entitled Samba, Slow Drag, Soul Strut, and Square Dance, that contain elements of commercial and jazz styles. This work can be appropriately programmed on recitals and might be of interest to advanced undergraduate, graduate, and professional trombonists. Its pitch content ranges from B-flat to c2. Cup mute is required.
 
The first movement, Samba, is rhythmically imitative, encompassing changing mixed meters and hemiola that create an exciting dance feel. The second movement, Slow Drag, is a lyrical ballad. First trombone has the melody for most of this movement but there are moments of contrapuntal motion. The use of counterpoint in a commercial style piece is effective. The rock style third movement, Soul Strut, utilizes certain idiomatic gestures for the trombone such as glissandi. First and second trombonists are requested to play “as high as possible” in the beginning of the movement. Soul Strut has an aggressive, intense, and fun feel. The final movement, Square Dance, contains some of the same elements from the previous three movements including rhythmic imitation, changing mixed meter, and also hocket. This gives the movement a playful feel and requires each trombonist to be rhythmically precise. The three trombones end on an upbeat, which gives a surprising effect.  
 
-Thomas Macaluso
University of Wisconsin-Madison