Review

Roland Szentpali
K-1:
two tubas and six trombones

Vuarmarens, , Switzerland
Publisher: Editions Bim
Date of Publication: 2010
URL: http://www.editions-bim.com

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 6+ brass (choir)
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones

K-1 is a virtuoso chamber work for two tubas, four tenor trombones and two bass trombones that was written at the request of Steve Rosse. Modeled on the Japanese martial art, Szentpali casts the tubas as the two fighters, the bass trombones as the trainers and the tenor trombones as the audience. Its structure is based on the fight scene with the fighters entering the ring, facing off (with optional bows), three rounds and then literally throwing in the towel. The format creates three distinct textures with the bass trombone/trainers screaming at the tuba/fighters. This piece is exciting with high energy, intense rhythms and rapid dynamic and textural changes.  The composer writes that “something extremely wild, cruel and raw sounded spontaneously in my mind” and “This music is not beautiful, but it does have excitement… just as does the sport called K-1.”

K-1 requires strong players all around. The tuba and bass trombone parts are really solo parts.  The four tenor trombone parts are relatively equal with a considerable amount of playing in the trigger range. The ensemble work is challenging and will benefit from a conductor. Extended techniques are limited to glissandi and flutter tongue. Additionally, two different straight mutes are required, one louder than the other, a gong and the requisite towel. K-1 is an exciting option for advanced ensembles, a good choice for a graduate recital.

-Andrew Glendening
University of Redlands