Review

Claude T. Smith
Rhapsody for Trombone:

Arranged by Steve Kupferschmid


Exton, PA, United States
Publisher: Wingert-Jones Publications
Date of Publication: 2014
URL: http://www.wingertjones.com

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Originally scored for trombone and concert band, Rhapsody was composed in 1971 for Warren Covington and the University of Kansas Symphonic Band. Steve Kupferschmid states the following:
The composer customized this work for Mr. Covington based on his fame as the trombonist who assumed leadership of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra shortly after Dorsey’s death in 1956… Claude Smith drew upon the opening phrase of the Tommy Dorsey theme song, I’m Getting Sentimental Over You, as a thematic idea… This five-note opening phrase occurs many times as it develops throughout the Rhapsody, in various harmonic and rhythmic contexts…The work’s prevailing minor tonality is offset with tonal dissonances, rhythmic, clustered chords and Phrygian modal passages. After the statement of a dreamy, lyrical theme, the excitement gradually builds until the soloist is launched into an exhilarating ride over crisp Latin-influenced figures in the accompaniment. A bit of modal improvisation and a dazzling cadenza set the stage for a return to the opening theme and a vigorous run up to a stratospheric (optional) final note above a flurry of rhythmic punches in the piano.
This is good music in a lighter, jazz infused idiom, technically playable by more advanced performers. It is also available on rental in its original scoring.

-Karl Hinterbichler
University of New Mexico