Review

Jack Cooper
One of the Missing (for Those Lost in Iraq):
euphonium and piano

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Publisher: Brassworks 4 Publishing
Date of Publication: 2009
URL: http://www.brassworks4.com

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

The versatile composer, Jack Cooper of the University of Memphis, has written a fine addition to the solo euphonium repertoire. The single movement, One of the Missing, is written in honor of those fallen in Iraq. Throughout the piece the solo part utilizes a melancholy legato style, while the piano offsets this with often jarring sonorities. At around five minutes in length, the piece is not taxing on the performer. This highly expressive composition takes full advantage of the euphonium’s range. The euphonium part ranges from C to b-sharp1, but only stays above g1 for two lines. Dynamics are well marked and Cooper’s expressive intentions are clear. In addition to the piano score and a bass clef solo part, a B-flat treble clef solo part is included. This haunting and melancholy piece is a great legato study piece that gives the performer plenty of opportunities to showcase expressive playing. Although intended for performance on euphonium, One of the Missing can easily be adapted to trombone.

-Andrew Converse
Pikes Peak College