Review

Marc Falcone
Star Pillars:
three trumpets, three trombones, and tuba

Montrose, CA, United States
Publisher: Balquhidder Music,
Date of Publication: 2010
URL: http://www.balquhiddermusic.com

score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 6+ brass (choir)

Star Pillars yields a compelling, weighty brass flourish. By relying primarily on mixing and transforming the opening melodic material, composer Falcone provides a bright, if somewhat static, statement of purpose and drama. The combinations of three trumpets, three trombones and tuba are treated both as independent choruses and in tutti fashion to create a suitable variety of textures. The forceful presentations that make up the bulk of the piece are relieved by brief chorale interludes. For the most part, however, all forces are poly-phonically mobilized to their maximum dynamic potential. The first B-flat trumpet part ranges up to d2, and the first trombone part, which contains some tenor clef, goes up to c2. A substitute horn part for first trombone is provided and the tuba part is playable by bass trombone. 

-Joel Elias
California State University, Fresno and Sacramento