Review

Tom Dossett
Carrousel Song:

Coventry, , United Kingdom
Publisher: Warwick Music Publishers
Date of Publication: 2008
URL: http://www.warwickmusic.com

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with piano

Carrousel Song is a lively, joyful composition that should find its way onto many recital programs. Composed for English trombonist, Jonathan Warburton, it communicates a 21st Century glance at town carnivals past. The piece is written in a lively triple meter, quarter note=161, and contains three main musical ideas. It commences with a lilting melody accompanied by fresh, open harmonies. The second section is more intense with striking syncopations interrupted by a reminder of the dance-like opening. The third section is more lyrical but still harmonically inventive. After a Dal segno revisits earlier material, the piece ends dramatically on pedal AA-flat.

The bass trombone part will be accessible to many players. Its upper range demands are modest, f1, but it requires a mature pedal register. Technical demands are manageable as well—eighth note motion albeit at a quick tempo. The main challenge is negotiating descending octave motion into the pedal register. Dossett is a prolific composer across many genres, and it is no surprise that this is a successful work. It is light and refreshing and will be enjoyable for both performer and audience.

-Paul Overly
Bob Jones University