Review

Ryan Jesperson
Fragments and Memories:

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

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Ryan Jesperson (b.1981) completed a Doctorate in Music Composition at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2011 and currently teaches in Hartford, CT. The British Trombone Society awarded him its Composition Competition Prize in 2008 for Fragments and Memories, sub-titled ‘Concerto for Trombone.’ The composer writes that he conceived the work for a larger ensemble but has written the ‘current version’ in a pianistic way. Its premiere was given by Radu Clipa, to whom it is dedicated.  

The ‘memories’ are thematic transformations referring back to a recollection of their earlier fragmentary statements. Thematic development is continuous throughout the piece, which falls more or less into 3 sections, which are played continuously: Moderato, Largo (including an extended cadenza) and Allegro. The closing pages are a softly muted coda, Adagio, fading into silence. Style is atonal. Range extends GG-d-sharp2, however, the music stays mostly in mid-range tessitura involving awkward rhythms and large intervallic leaps into the high register. Even so, the most difficult passages are those in the trigger-pedal register. Much use is made of repeated note patterns, often with varying articulations, needing much attention to detail. 

Straight, Harmon and plunger mutes are required. There are no extended techniques used in the trombone part, but the pianist is at one point directed to ‘hit the side of the piano with open hand.’ Altogether, Fragments and Memories represents a welcome addition to the trombonists’ repertoire from a new and original voice. As is now customary from this publisher, trombone part in B-flat treble clef is included.

-Keith Davies Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada