Review

John Frith
Concertino for Bass Trombone:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2009
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with piano

Concertino for Bass Trombone is a substantive, 12 minute work for bass trombone and piano. Written for British bass trombonist, Jonathan Warburton, this work will challenge the most advanced player and yet provide musical satisfaction for the least experienced audience. Frith organizes the work into three movements: a playful Humoresque, a somber Ballad, and a scintillating Scherzo.

The Humoresque, marked Vivo, begins with a rollicking theme in 12/8 meter. The bass trombonist enters emphatically with a resounding pedal F. The opening is marked by dotted rhythms and large leaps. A move to 6/4 brings a lyrical contrast to the dance-like opening theme.  The movement progresses with a delightful unfolding of the dance theme interspersed with hints of the lyrical theme. It ends with a dramatic descent into the pedal register. You can view a live performance of the Humoresque by Jonathan Warburton on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABCE9hSmFJw.

The Ballad, marked Andante Espressivo con rubato, opens with a haunting modal melody that serves as the basis for the movement. It proceeds with increasing ornamentation in the solo part, climaxing with frenzied, elaborate lines that traverse the range of the instrument. The opening melody then returns bringing the movement to quiet close, the final line gently descending to a pianissimo pedal G.

The Scherzo begins with a vengeance, featuring chromatic runs commencing deep in the pedal register. Marked Allegro Vivo, it contains significant technical challenges, the most difficult of the entire work. Two virtuosic sections featuring 16th-note motion and wide leaps are contrasted by a more lyrical section characterized by quarter-note triplets. The work closes as forcefully as it began, on a sforzando pedal B-flat.

Frith’s Concertino for Bass Trombone is a worthy addition to the repertoire. It can serve as the centerpiece of a solo recital. The individual movements, especially the first two movements, can serve as shorter pieces on a recital. Look also for a version of the work scored by the composer for wind ensemble.  

-Paul Overly
Bob Jones University