Review

Alwyn Green
Duel at Dawn : for bass trombone duet

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

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 2 trombones

Composed in three movements, this demanding duet requires secure command of the bass trombone in both parts. The first movement, “Challenge,” is indicated ‘moderate swing,’ lasts about one minute and is almost conversation-like. There are alternating moments of similar ideas, moments where the parts move harmonically and moments of overlapping statements. Range for this movement encompasses EE-flat to b-flat1. Some figures at the indicated tempo require capable agility and the key of G-flat provides its own difficulty. “Contemplation” is the title and mood of the second movement. Intonation is strongly challenged as both parts feature sustained passages while the other moves melodically. Both parts indicate multiphonics in the last five measures; the final chord is E-flat M7 with all four pitches produced by the performers. ‘Vivace’ is the tempo for the third movement, “The Contest.” Articulation, syncopation, hemiola and compound rhythms are some of the issues in this last portion. Intricate 16th note interplay resolves into unison 16th note figures; one misplaced rest and the music could fall apart.  There are moments of silence indicated, which provide opportunities to regroup. This movement ends with unison octave C’s, CC and CCC repeated three times. 

This is a clever and demanding work. One can easily envision the programmatic nature of two persons meeting at dawn to challenge each other to a sword fight, and all of the associated banter, followed by the consideration or “sizing up” of the opponent, and then the actual event. Parry, thrust, attack, counter-attack, and many other comparisons can easily be musically recognized in the score. For my bass trombone-playing friends, this is sure to be a fun addition to the repertoire.

-David Stern
Lewiston, Maine