Review

Ken Davies
Divertimento for Five:
four tenor trombones and bass trombone

Gautier, MS, United States
Publisher: Kenvad Music
Date of Publication: 2011
URL: http://www.kendavies.net

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones

Divertimento is a light, unpretentious work in two parts. The opening third of the piece is a chorale-like setting that pits the four tenors against the bass trombone. Closely voiced harmonies and somber phrases eventually dissolve into colorful glissandi that provide a stark contrast to the remainder of the music. The bass trombone, which ranges down to pedal A-flat, opens the next section with one of the two ostinato passages it maintains throughout the rest of the work. Syncopated figures and chromatic lines above the bass combine to provide focus on a steady rhythmic groove that rushes to a climax. Ken Davies has composed electronic and acoustic pieces that have been performed throughout the country. His Three Pieces for Bass Trombone and Piano was the winner of the 2009 Eastern Trombone Workshop National Composition Competition. Divertimento is suitable for an advanced high school ensemble.

-Joel Elias
California State University, Fresno; CSU Sacramento