Review

Elizabeth Raum
Quintet for Trombones:

Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2007
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones

Originally written for the Canadian trombone quintet I Tromboni, this quintet is a light and playful piece that is closer to a classical string quartet than a 21st century trombone quartet. It is well within the reach of most college level groups and could be played by a good high school level trombone choir. Pedagogically, the quintet is a great vehicle to discuss both style and form. Harmonically, it is tonal. Its main motive is a simple, one measure, sixteenth note figure in C major. This motive bobs between c1 and d1 before descending on a C major triad into the second trombone part, which repeats it. This type of interplay occurs throughout the entire piece between all the parts and is what makes the quintet so entertaining to play; everyone gets a chance to play some of the melody. Ms. Raum has also provided us with a 5th trombone part, playable on tenor trombone - if someone in your group has a good low C.  

Ms. Raum has also written a Fantasy for Trombone and a substantial 20 minute work for alto trombone and orchestra entitled Olmutz Concerto. A preview of the alto concerto can be found on her website: www.elizabethraum.com.  

-Jonathan Gill
Tarleton State University