Review

Phil Harrison
A Simple Severn Symphony :

Coventry, , United Kingdom
Publisher: Warwick Music Publishers
Date of Publication: 2011
URL: http://www.warwickmusic.com

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones

A Simple Severn Symphony is a major concert work for trombone octet composed by former City of Birmingham Symphony orchestra principal trombonist, Phil Harrison (b.1957). Harrison studied with Terry Nagle at the Royal Northern College of Music before becoming a member of the Opera North Orchestra, in Leeds, as first trombone. Since then he's held positions with the Halle Orchestra and the CBSO (principal) and he has worked with all the top orchestras in London and the UK.
 
This work shares part of its title with an Edward Elgar work, The Severn Suite. The Severn of both titles refers to the name of the river which runs through the city of Worchester England where Elgar spent his childhood. A Simple Severn Symphony is complex and challenging. It contains nine key signature changes and over fifteen tempo changes. The piece demands a high level of skill and high register facility especially in trombone one and two, which range up to f2 and d2 respectively. Bass trombone two also contains range challenges, descending frequently to E-flat and D. Some of the more complex rhythms are written using unconventional beaming and notation, which may cause initial problems. A few of the page turns are a bit quick and the notation is on the small side for older eyes, but this does facilitate the parts fitting on a maximum of four pages. The first five tenor parts contain significant portions in tenor clef; part six and the two bass trombone parts are given exclusively in bass clef. The opening and closing of the work centers around d minor with a concluding cadence in D major, while the majority of the work moves between numerous other key centers and often transitions from duple to triple meter. After the opening Allegretto and Allegro, style changes range between grandioso, tentative, relaxed, mysterioso, lilting, waltze, heavy, light, grave, triumphant and furtive. While the individual sections are interesting and well written, it will be a challenge for the conductor and group to provide continuity between the many variations within the work.
 
This is a true concert work for the trombone octet. All parts are challenged  rhythmically, physically and musically.  I recommend this work for groups seeking such challenges. An excellent performance with be the reward for hard work.

-Thomas Zugger
Capital University