Review

Tom Dossett
Waltz for Elephants:

Coventry, , United Kingdom
Publisher: Warwick Music Publishers
Date of Publication: 2010
URL: http://www.warwickmusic.com

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with piano

Dossett has composed over a dozen works for bass trombone, each with a distinct character. Perhaps designed to show off the more humorous aspects of the bass trombone, this waltz presents clever interplay between pianist and soloist, fresh harmonies that occasionally provide a clear sense of tonality, and rhythmic and articulation variations to challenge the performer and engage the audience. Composed in a large ABA form with coda, the contrasting B section is faster in tempo and less melodic in nature, but does provide an a capella moment that can be interpreted as cadenza-like. A 9/8 section near the end offers a compound waltz feel as the larger three is divided into smaller threes. The piano part is somewhat challenging with the waltz feel retained in the left hand, large leaps between beats 1, and 2-3, and the right hand playing melody. Combining the two parts should present little difficulty given the rhythmic nature of the dance and the straight-forward rhythms in both parts. The solo part requires technical command to achieve legato markings in scalar and arpeggio motions spanning three octaves, as well as register shifts of the same distance between beats. The composed range encompasses FF-e1. There aren’t many stylistic markings, which provide excellent opportunities for interpretation and training. This should be accessible by an advancing high school student, and/or appropriate for a college recital as a diversion from serious pieces. The work cleverly ends on GG with flutter tongue resembling an elephant snort.

-David Stern
Lewiston, Maine