Review

Gilles Martin
15 Miniatures pour trombone et piano:

Paris, , France
Publisher: Gérard Billaudot Éditeur
Date of Publication: 2002

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Elementary Material - solo
Secondary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

15 Miniatures are a delightful array of simple programmatic solos designed for the young trombone player. Each miniature is around one minute in length, and the collection contains charming musical contrasts. Style ranges from march to boogie-woogie to waltz to polka to song. Martin writes in a simple yet musically pleasing style that will challenge the student and satisfy the instructor.  

Martin’s musical expectations are appropriate for grade one or two abilities. The melodies are well shaped, demonstrating melodic fluency. Rhythmic demands are modest, mostly half notes and quarter notes and no sixteenth notes. Valse Lente and Berline introduce dotted quarter-eighth rhythms. Pirouette features off-beat eighth note entrances and eighth/quarter syncopations. Martin uses key areas that are a bit more adventuresome than many grade two publications in the United States. Pirouette is in D major. Bouquet Final is in E minor, and The Kid is in G major. Each miniature has unique expressive requirements signified by its title; you will have to brush up on your French. The musical diversity also provides the opportunity to develop the various articulations required to be a complete player. I’m especially impressed with the piano parts. They are simple enough that an intermediate player can perform them—even I could play many of them. Their ease notwithstanding, the parts skillfully lend meaning and mood to each piece. 

This collection is a helpful addition to graded trombone literature. The diversity of expressive elements will provide ample opportunity to teach phrasing, articulation, intonation, and general musicianship. Young players need to experience solo playing with piano accompaniment, and Martin’s 15 Miniatures provide an exceptional performance vehicle.

-Paul Overly
Bob Jones University