Review

Gregory Kosteck
Concert Music: for unaccompanied bass trombone

Arranged by Jeff Reynolds

Bass trombone

Vancouver, BC, , Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 1963 / 2018
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - unaccompanied

Originally for tuba, Concert Music for Bass Trombone was adapted by Jeff Reynolds in the 1960s. Notably, the work was included on Reynolds’ album The Big Trombone (1978) and was used for Reynolds’ audition into the Los Angeles Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta. The Kosteck is lyrical in quality, features repeated motivic material and clear musical ideas. The work could serve as an introduction to unaccompanied solo music for undergraduate level players or as a light-bite at advanced and professional levels.

 

Clocking in at 5:20, Kosteck’s work is typical of unaccompanied solos from the 1960s. Wide leaps and rhythmic complexity are used within a melodic context. The four sections are, Lyric Cantelena, Lyrico Espresso, poco scherzando, and Lyrico, each with a distinct character and musical ark. The virtuosic opening leaps in and out of the staff combine with two and three measure periods into lyrical phrases. Lyrico Espresso is subdued in nature, made-up of one large phrase beginning on pedal AA, rising to g1 then returning to the depths. The articulated Scherzando section builds in energy climaxing in a short cadenza. Finally, the coda, Lyrico, uses motifvic material from the opening and returns the listener to a calm ending. Overall range comprises FF to g1.

 

According to Reynolds’ on the Cherry Classics website, Roger Bobo suggested the work as worthy for his senior recital. The Kosteck is a worthy endeavor and is right for recitals at any level.