Review

Calvin Lee Woolsey
Medic Rag:

Arranged by James Bicigo


Massapequa, NY, United States
Publisher: Wiltshire Music Company and Cor Publishing
Date of Publication: 2005

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones

Medic Rag was one of six rags that Woolsey self-published between 1909 and 1911. He was a Harvard-trained doctor (he also wrote Funny Bones Rag) who had a practice in Missouri. This piece is aptly titled, since the first trombonist may require medical attention after performance of this work. The rag prescription is filled to a tee, as the syncopation and melodic material are almost formulaic. The unchanging D-flat tonality provides stress by including nearly a dozen eb2's, all near the end of the piece. In addition, the tessitura is unrelentingly high for the patient, uh, first player. The part cries out for an alto trombone or slide trumpet, and oxygen. There is little change in texture throughout and dynamic markings are sparse. The first two parts are written in tenor clef. Those trombonists wishing to participate in the study of this work are encouraged to consult their doctor first.

-Joel Elias
Sacramento State University