Review

Philip Brink
Three Movements for Unaccompanied Bass Trombone:
Unaccompanied bass trombone

Vancouver, BC, , Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2016
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - unaccompanied

Philip Brink's Three Movements for Unaccompanied Bass Trombone explore modern virtuoso styles while referencing standard material. The outer movements require a high level of accomplishment and should not be attempted by the faint of heart. This suite can function as a modern option to the Bach Cello Suites or Culver Suite for unaccompanied bass trombone, or provide variety through performance of a single movement.

Harmonies: The Trombone Strikes Bach, explores an advanced tonal language in a cantabile context. The movement demands flexibility between registers and often calls for two and a half octave leaps. The singing context is juxtaposed against a quasi Agitato before returning to a recapitulation of the opening.

Balooze: A Sort of Soliloquy, incorporates a bluesy riff over an ostinato groove where the performer plays both roles. The majority of the movement is performed with a tapping foot similar to Elegy for Mippy II. Despite the register, d-flat2 to CC, the second movement is the most accessible for performer and audience.

Rhythmus: Movement at high speed, lies in the middle register and focuses on a rhythmic pulse on f. Rhythmic clarity is paramount in discerning its mixed meters and beat structure. 16th notes predominate with few, if any rests for the performer. Hold on tight, this unaccompanied suite is sure to inspire.