Review

Bruce Fraser
Against All Odds:
three trombones and three-part trombone choir

Coventry, , United Kingdom
Publisher: Warwick Music Publishers
Date of Publication: 2009
URL: http://www.warwickmusic.com

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 6 trombones

Against All Odds was commissioned and performed by members of the Scottish section of the British Trombone Society in 1986. The piece consists of one movement divided into three sections. The outer sections develop seventy chord arpeggios while the middle section is slower and more lyrical. The music is light and positive by nature; Fraser provides canonic interplay between the solo parts themselves and also between ensemble and soloists. The title suggests contrast between the solo trio and the heavier forces of the trombone choir. Although as the publisher suggests, the piece could be done with a sextet and some dynamic alterations. The solo parts are not tremendously difficult or high (c2) and can be played by competent college level trombonists. The composer includes a few special effects like lip glissandi, trills, falls and nice muted effects. In particular, the final section of the piece contains a passage in which the soloists are simultaneously playing on straight, cup and Harmon mutes against the full trombone choir. This might be difficult to balance but provides nice contrast between soloists and choir. The choir parts are fairly simple and moderate in range; so aside from balancing the groups, this is an easy piece to put together. It is fun and provides great opportunity to show off soloists within any university or professional level trombone ensemble. 

-Tim Howe
University of Missouri