Review

David Wilborn
Escapades :

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Publisher: Wehr's Music House
Date of Publication: 2006

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

David Wilborn is Associate Professor of Music at Texas A&M University. Many compositions from his large output have received awards and distinctions. Escapades was selected for such an award by the Appalachian State Brass Chamber Music Festival in 2004 and was premiered by Bay Street Brassworks.  

This energetic piece has a contemporary feel, at times reminiscent of Ewazen’s writing.  A three movement work, the first two sections are separated by a grand pause and the last is delineated by a change in style to a swing section. The opening is marked “Driving speed with momentum,” quarter note = 152, which is brisk but manageable. The tango section features a well-written sultry trombone plunger solo. This evolves into a laid back swing section featuring walking bass line in the tuba and written out, Harmon muted trumpet solo. Score and parts indicate that the final measure can be extended for an optional improvised trumpet solo. The composer does an excellent job scoring prominent solo lines in all parts, along with rest to provide relief to the performers. Escapades is imaginative, well written, and will likely become a standard work in the brass quintet repertoire.   

-Patrick Lawrence
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point