Review

John Stevens
Autumn from Seasons for Brass Quintet :

Vuarmarens, , Switzerland
Publisher: Editions Bim
Date of Publication: 2009
URL: http://www.editions-bim.com

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Autumn is the third movement of John Stevens’ brass quintet Seasons. The quintet was completed in 1986 and has spread in popularity throughout the United States. Stevens originally arranged Autumn for flugelhorn and piano and subsequently published an arrangement for tuba or euphonium. The popularity of this movement is due to its simple depiction of the melancholy of autumn through a beautifully simple legato melody. 
The arrangement for trombone and piano is in a slow legato and expressive style. The dynamics of the piece reflect the subdued nature of the season ranging from only piano to mezzo forte. Rubato is used extensively throughout this piece; accelerando and ritardando is often marked. No key signature is given; accidentals are used extensively. Flats and naturals predominate, however two sharps appear in the last four measures.

Autumn utilizes the comfortable range of A-flat to e-flat1 and remains in bass clef throughout. The range and style of this piece make it ideal for the younger trombonist who is working on playing expressively using dynamics, legato, and rubato. However, the middle section contains rhythmic challenges, eighth note triplets alternating with sixty-fourth notes and thirty-second notes that younger students may not have mastered yet, along with chromatic movement that requires concentration and attention to accidentals. The piano accompaniment is straightforward and simple; only a few passages require hands to move in rhythmic independence. Editing is well done, including piano cues during the trombonist’s longer rests and plenty of breath marks. Although Autumn is perfectly suited for the younger trombonist, the slow, melodious work also makes an excellent contrasting addition to a recital filled with more technically advanced pieces. 

-Andrew Converse
Colorado Springs, CO