Review

Martin Christoph Redel
TrombOnly : Solo für Tenorposaune Opus 80
Unaccompanied tenor trombone

Berlin, , Germany
Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes
Date of Publication: 2014
URL: http://www.boosey.com

Score

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - unaccompanied

Martin Christoph Redel’s TrombOnly for solo tenor trombone won first prize at the 12th Concorso Internazionale di Composizione “Romualdo Marenco”  in Novi Ligure, Italy. Redel has been professor of composition at the Detmold College of Music in Germany since 1979 and is also active as a percussionist.

This is a challenging and exciting work with a great deal of rhythmic intensity. A dramatic opening passage marked fortissimo brutale is followed by a slow, quiet lyrical section that leads into a fast and rhythmic passage. A slow lament with cup mute is then followed by a giocoso section ending with a return to the opening material. The writing is virtuosic, yet idiomatic extending from D to f². Extended techniques include glissandi and timbral trills - i.e. a rapid alternation between the same pitch in different overtones/positions.

This is clearly a work for an advanced player with facile articulation and a confident high register. Since the register is constantly shifting, it is more of a challenge of control than one of endurance, making it a good recital option. This is a welcome addition to the solo repertoire and is an interesting and well-crafted choice for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and professionals.