Review

Bruce Stark
Gospel Song Fantasy:

Tokyo, , Japan
Publisher: Belle-Kane Publications
Date of Publication: 2010

Piano score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Bruce Stark was born in San Diego. His early studies included percussion, jazz piano and classical composition. He holds a composition degree from California State University Northridge and a master's degree from the Juilliard School as a student of Roger Sessions and Vincent Persichetti. Since moving to Tokyo in 1989 he has produced a collection of works, which reveal a unique and compelling musical voice, drawing from a multiplicity of disciplines and sensibilities. His music, ranging from solo piano and chamber music to choral and orchestral pieces, has been performed, recorded and broadcast on radio programs worldwide. The composer stated the following about Gospel Song Fantasy:

"The beauty, depth, fervor and spiritual message of gospel music have inspired listeners and musicians the world over. In Gospel Song Fantasy the melodies of many well-known Afro-American spirituals (the roots of gospel music) appear: Amen, Michael Row The Boat Ashore, Joshua Fought The Battle Of Jericho, Amazing Grace, Just A Closer Walk, and Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. While similar to a medley, I chose to call this a fantasy because of the many improvisation-like passages, the atmospheric character of the opening Amen, and the freedom with which I treated the material throughout.  The piece was composed in 2002 for trombonist Megumi Kanda [principal trombonist, Milwaukee Symphony]--to whom I am most grateful for advice and encouragement--for her CD Amazing Grace, [Albany Records] released the same year. It was written with the intention of creating a vehicle of expression for the trombone's unique qualities, from somber lyricism to robust, rhythmic brilliance."

This is a compelling piece that treats the trombone and piano as equal partners. Both parts are always interesting, avoiding the hackneyed approach often associated with arrangements of gospel tunes. One need not be a virtuoso on the order of Megumi Kanda to perform this work. Range and technical requirements are modest and within the grasp of a college level performer. It is an excellent showcase for tone quality, ensemble sensibilities, dynamic, legato and rhythmic control and various jazz styles. It will make a rousing conclusion to any recital. The composer also lists the following works for trombones available from the same publisher:
Little Brown Jug (arrangement for trombone quartet)
Nearer My God, To Thee (arrangement for 3 trombones and piano)
We Shall Overcome (arrangement for 4 trombones, 3 percussion, piano and timpani)

-Karl Hinterbichler
University of New Mexico