Review

Thomas W. Zugger
A Prayer and Wings: for trombone and passive piano

Columbus, OH, United States
Publisher:
Date of Publication: 2008
URL: http://www.zuggermusic.com

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

This two movement work A Prayer and Wings was inspired by a trip Dr. Thomas Zugger made to the outer banks of North Carolina and a tour of the Wright Brothers monument at Kitty Hawk. The first movement, “Canto,” is a prayer lead by the trombone soloist. The melody varies rhythmically between quick and slow patterns, creating an unsettled, nervous, yet hopeful invocation. Acting as cantor, the trombonist performs the movement by facing the open piano. The piano, serving as a choir, answers sympathetically.

The second movement represents the Wright brothers’ first flight. Entitled “Wings” it is performed facing the audience. Written with mixed meters, the quick, fluid eighth notes in the trombone part represent wind. The historic airmen are depicted later in the movement with longer value notes and the passive piano engaged.

This work is fantastic for recitals. Audiences find it appealing. It’s not greatly technical in nature, but double tonguing is useful in the second movement. Range is moderate staying between an F and a single a1. The work does not require the use of an accomplished pianist. In fact, anyone who can follow the trombone part and is able to press and release the damper pedal can easily perform the piano part.

-Donald Babcock
Eastern Michigan University