Review

Ken Langer
Journey to the Center:
trumpet, horn, and trombone

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Publisher: Wehr's Music House
Date of Publication: 2008
URL: http://www.wehrs-music-house.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 3 brass
Secondary Genre: Chamber Music

Journey to the Center is scored for the typical mixed-brass trio of trumpet, horn and trombone.  Ranges are reasonable and the piece should be within reach of a high school brass trio, with the possible exception of a swath of solid sixteenth notes in the trombone part. Tonal harmonies dominate a nice mix of contrasting tempi and rhythms. With the limited resources of three players ensemble fullness is a challenge. Certain parts of the trio sound full, although there are moments when the orchestration seems a bit too thin. The parts ‘lay well’ on each of the instruments though many of the accompaniment patterns lack variety.

-David Brubeck
Miami Dade College, Kendall Campus