Review

Ruud van Eeten
Panorama:
six trombones and organ

Coventry, , United Kingdom
Publisher: Warwick Music Publishers
Date of Publication: 2006
URL: http://www.warwickmusic.com

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 6 trombones
Secondary Genre: Chamber Music

Panorama was composed for the New Trombone Collective and is scored for two trios of alto, tenor and bass trombone with organ. The composer requests that “The two groups of trombones should be symmetrically spaced either side of the organ to form a triangle and they should be at least 15 meters apart.” Both choirs are used antiphonally as well as in cascading patterns both in pitch and space. The language is primarily tonal with diatonic scale passages and an abundance of big C major chords and unisons. After an extended introduction of the theme, the main Allegro section features broad melodic lines that move through the parts with underlying rhythmic figures that drive the work restatement of the main theme in the organ pedals before a brief coda concludes the work. Technically, other than the need for two capable alto players, the main issue for any performance will be coordinating the ensemble across the space. While some of the trickier rhythmic passages occur in the slow introduction in a layered section marked quasi Liberamente, the thematic lines and group unison rhythms in the Allegro require skill for a precise performance. Printing and part layout is excellent and up to Warwick’s usual high standards. Given the right mix of players, organ and performance space, this will be a nice project for an adventurous trombone group or college studio. Panorama will definitely make a big impression on the audience.

-Andrew Glendening
University of Redlands