Review

Elizabeth Raum
Romance:

Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2001
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with piano

Elizabeth Raum has added to her rapidly growing catalogue of chamber music with this short and sensitive Romance. While the version for bass trombone and piano is reviewed here, it is important to note that additional solo parts for tenor trombone and euphonium, horn, bassoon, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, viola, and cello also come with the score at no additional cost.

The piece was commissioned by the Concours de Musique du Canada as a test piece for horn. It was then transcribed for tenor trombone at the request of the composer’s husband, Richard. Richard Raum was also the featured soloist when the Romance was orchestrated for trombone and chamber orchestra at the request of the Regina Symphony Orchestra. Hopefully, the version with chamber orchestra will be published in the near future as well.

At fifty-nine measures long, Romance is filled with expressive legato phrases that often move stepwise within a reasonable melodic range, C to f1. In fact, outside of occasional syncopation and alternating duple and triplet rhythms, the work is quite approachable for intermediate and professional bass trombonists alike. Romance can provide needed contrast on a recital program and will fit nicely between multi-movement concertos or sonatas. 

-Eric High
St. Norbert College