Review

James Pugh
Suite Aviariations:
Two trumpets, horn, trombone

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2002 / 2015
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 4 brass

Suite Aviariations was written in 2002 for the Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble. Composed by James Pugh, an accomplished trombonist and member of the ensemble, this work includes three distinct movements. All three are titled with aviary puns: “One Good Tern…,” “No Egrets” and “Toucan Danse.”

“One Good Tern…” in fact has a few good turns, including ongoing alterations in style, instrumentation, and meter. The first movement, while rather short, presents a lot of character. The movement opens with an upbeat, driving rhythm and non-traditional harmonies in the trombone and horn. Meanwhile, trumpets interject short melodic motifs. Subdued, traditional chorales make short interruptions before transitioning back to the two versus two material of the opening. The movement concludes with one last chorale and a rhythmic punctuation.

“No Egrets” shares the same slow nature as the graceful bird of the same name. Tonally is centered around d minor, the movement meanders through colorful harmonic suspensions while a simplistic melody floats down through the range of the first trumpet. While it is a relatively short movement, it compliments the piece nicely.

The final movement, “Toucan Danse,” opens with an expressive horn solo accompanied by pulsing quarter notes in the trombone. The two trumpets introduce the upbeat transition to the dance in 7/8. While the movement contains intricate moments for all, the trumpets are faced with notable technical challenges.

Score and parts are clear and easy to read. The written pitch ranges are: trumpets g-d³; horn f-g-sharp²; trombone, D-sharp-d-flat¹. Mr. Pugh’s writing works well for brass quartet and provides interesting challenges for all players. The composition seems best suited for a particularly strong college group or professional ensemble.