Review

Eric Ewazen
Songs of the Sun: Concerto No.3:

King of Prussia, PA, United States
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company
Date of Publication: 2013
URL: http://www.presser.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Eric Ewazen is well-known to most trombonists. Commissioned by James Lebens, this concerto was written in memory of the Brazilian trombonist, Radegundis Feitosa, who was killed in a car accident in 2010. Ewazen wanted it to “portray the sunny nature of Radegundis... to celebrate his life and his beloved country of Brazil.” To that end, Ewazen incorporates samba rhythms and harmonic colors evocative of that country. If you are familiar with Ewazen’s music, you’ll have no trouble spotting his compositional trademarks: consonant harmonies, syncopated block chords, and long phrases constructed from repeated rhythmic interjections in the solo part.  

The first movement, “Showers and Rainbows,” is marked Allegro ritmico throughout and lasts roughly 6:15. The solo part alternates between nice syncopated figures and longer legato lines. The second movement, “Valleys and Mist,” portrays, “deep green valleys nestled amid towering, almost sculpted mountains… around Rio de Janeiro.” This lyrical Andante movement, lasting about 4:00, gives the performer pretty lines without overly taxing the high range. It extends from E-sharp to a1 but lives mostly in the octave f to f1.  This dolce movement could stand by itself as a slow interlude on a recital program. The third movement, “Colors and Light” is mostly a lively 6/8 scherzo that derives much of its energy from shifting and juxtaposed groupings of two and three. The leaps of the solo part are a bit more athletic and may put this piece beyond the reach of younger players.  If you are a fan of Eric Ewazen’s writing, Songs of the Sun presents another solid, audience-friendly composition that can anchor a recital program.   

-Brad Edwards
University of South Carolina