Review

Antonio Sicoli
23 Studies for Trombone:

Uetz, , Germany
Publisher: Musikverlag Bruno
Date of Publication: 2009

Primary Genre: Study Material - etude

These etudes, composed specifically for trombone, are designed to challenge proficient to advanced trombonists in various technical areas, particularly through “studies of various intervals,” as stated in the preface. Some of the etudes are specifically composed for alto or bass trombone, but, in the composer’s words “all trombonists should be able to the play the studies.” There are many technical challenges throughout each etude, including switching clefs, alto, tenor, and bass; erratic placement of accents and articulation markings; difficult intervals, including many tritones, sevenths and rapid large leaps over two octaves; mixed and asymmetrical meters with varying subdivision groupings. Some of the etudes feature fast tempi and intricate rhythms.
 
The music is clearly printed and spaced well for easy reading. Few dynamic markings are given, and expression markings are likewise minimal. Most of the etudes indicate tempi, and all of them include style indications, some using less familiar terminology. Key signatures vary, including up to five flats and seven sharps. There are frequent accidentals in all of the etudes. By the composer’s admission, these etudes are not overtly musical, but are designed for technical improvement and preparation for repertoire mastery, particularly in the more extreme upper and lower registers. The cumulative range of the set extends from CC up to d2.
 
All of these challenges, along with the varied nature and style of each etude, make this a formidable collection of studies. Even the slower etudes contain such wide ranges and difficult intervals to make them most suitable for advanced trombonists at the collegiate and professional level. This volume represents a beneficial addition to a collegiate course of study for promising trombonists, and for any advanced performer looking to polish and further develop their technique.

-James Adams
Valley City State University