Review

Carter Pann
Duo:
Alto saxophone and bass trombone

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, United States
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company
Date of Publication: 2011 / 2017
URL: http://www.presser.com

Score

Primary Genre: Chamber Music
Secondary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with other instruments

Musicians often look for collaborative pieces to round out recitals beyond obvious combinations that include related instruments or keyboard. Still, the pairing of alto saxophone and bass trombone is one that may not first come to mind, and Lois Hicks Wozniak and her husband, Matthew Wozniak, formed the “Unexpected Duo” to demonstrate its possibilities. Their recent–and, by the way, superb–compact disc release, Playback, includes numerous pieces written for this enterprising ensemble including Duo by Carter Pann, a finalist for the 2016 Pulitzer Prize in music. This two-movement composition features a slow, elegiac opener, titled “Lyrical Lois,” followed by what the composer calls “a phantasmagoric ragtime dance,” “Chopper’s Rag.” Both parts require performers of considerable skill, but efforts will be rewarded thanks to the compositional strength and interest of the piece. The bass trombone part ranges from DD to g1. Flutter tonguing, glissandi, foot stomps, wide interval leaps, mouthpiece tongue slaps, and a quick mute change all have important roles to play. And, Duo has ample room for theatricality throughout. Here is a work that is serious without being pretentious; fun without being silly; challenging without being gratuitous. Highly recommended.