Review

Walter E. Sear
Advanced Duets for Trombone Volume 1:

Massapequa, NY, United States
Publisher: Wiltshire Music Company and Cor Publishing
Date of Publication: 2011
URL: http://www.wiltshiremusic.com

Score

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 2 trombones

Walter E. Sear (1930–2010) had a multifaceted career as a recording engineer, performing musician, instrument importer and designer, inventor, composer and movie producer. After attending the Curtis Institute for four years he became principal tuba of the Philadelphia Orchestra and later worked as a freelancer in New York, appearing on numerous studio recordings. In 1964 he set up his own recording studio in NYC and also became known as a performer, on synthesizer, and composer for various movie soundtracks and pop albums, including Midnight Cowboy. Mr. Sear composed these duets for tubas, arranging them for trombones just before he passed away in 2010.
 
In the foreword the composer states: These duets were written originally as lesson candy. Towards the end of a lesson, if my student came prepared, I’d pull out the duets for a little fun and reward. The duets are not progressive in difficulty. The range is what trombonists normally have to cover, but there are some ossia parts if needed. Both parts are in bass clef. They are supposed to be fun to play. We low brass players don’t have too much material to choose from. We also need to have material just to improve our sight reading skills. ENJOY, because music is supposed to be fun.
 
There are 21 short duets in this volume, most in comfortable keys, never ranging beyond one sharp and only one in five flats. All are conservatively tonal, however covering a wide variety of styles, tempi, articulations and dynamics. Technical and range demands are within the scope of good high school players and indeed are fun to play for all levels.

-Karl Hinterbichler
University of New Mexico