Review

Kenyon Wilson
Isle of Mann:

Louisville, KY, United States
Publisher: Potenza Music Publishing
Date of Publication: 2011 / 2013
URL: http://www.potenzamusic.com

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones

Fulbright Scholar, Kenyon Wilson, teaches low brass and music theory at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and also serves as tubist with the Tuscaloosa Symphony in Alabama and Symphony Orchestra Augusta in Georgia. Isle of Mann was commissioned by the Morehead State University trombone ensemble. Marked Andante dolce, it is a lush, lyrical work for double quartet that makes splendid use of polyphonic technique. Moving lines in each part combine together to create modern, tonal harmonies and chains of melodic suspensions; Bach would be proud. Cast broadly in ABA form and in B-flat major, alternating 4/4, 3/4 measures generate a gentle, asymmetric phrase shape that defines the A sections. The B section uses 3/4 meter exclusively to introduce a new idea that builds in grandeur to a grand pause, which is answered by the most tender four measures of the piece. A brief coda grows to three measures of marcato motion under a sustained g1 in the lead voice, which quickly subsides to a morendo conclusion – quite effective.
 
Overall range comprises BB-flat to b-flat1 but tessitura is moderate, below f1. Parts and score are clearly printed on quality paper without error or page turn problems. The two quartets are often used in call and response, but ultimately, Choir A accompanies Choir B, especially in the middle section, such that the top part in Choir B emerges as the leader of the pack. Errant labeling of parts and score constitutes the only shortcoming in this fine composition. They are labeled as follows:

Score                         Parts, which lack reference to choirs
Choir A Trombone 1       Trombone 1
Choir A Trombone 2       Trombone 2
Choir A Trombone 3       Trombone 3
Choir A Bass Trombone   Bass Trombone 1
Choir B Trombone 1       Trombone 4
Choir B Trombone 2       Trombone 5
Choir B Trombone 3       Trombone6
Choir B Bass Trombone   Bass Trombone 2

 
To handle score and parts effectively one must engage in a ‘this is that’ exercise. This labeling becomes even more confusing when the music reveals that Choir B Trombone 1 (Trombone 4) is really the leader of the entire octet and Choir B Bass Trombone (Bass Trombone 2) is the dominant bass voice, the only part that plays below the bass staff. Bass Trombone 1 can easily be played on tenor without valve and really functions as an inner part.
 
Kenyon Wilson could have written a simple, chordal accompaniment for his melodies to good effect. Instead, he chose to use polyphony in a rather sophisticated, modern way to take his composition to a higher level. Yet, to the audience, Isle of Mann is likely to still come across as a simple, beautiful expression. And he manages to accomplish this without the muddy texture that can result when trombones move together in a limited vertical space – well done.
-Mike Hall
Old Dominion University