Review

Richard J. Lawn
Hill Country Miniatures:
Six tenor and two bass trombones

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2002 / 2019
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones

Composer Richard Lawn is a longtime lover of the trombone choir sound. His relationship to it started during his student days by hearing the Eastman Trombone Choir under the direction of Emory Remington. Hill Country Miniatures is dedicated to the late Donald Knaub and written for Nathaniel Brickens and the University of Texas Trombone Ensemble, who recorded the piece in 2003. The work reflects Lawn’s long relationship with trombone ensembles ranging from the choral tradition into the intricate harmonies and effects of the contemporary ensemble.

In four distinct movements, the piece is a challenging and fun project for any group. It better fits an advanced college trombone ensemble. The first choral movement is full of Ives like harmonies in an antiphonal setting where parts trade lines and functions. The taxing first and second parts stay in a high tessitura, a-c², for the entire movement. The next three movements offer a variety of dance like styles, full of syncopation and tricky rhythms.

The edition is reasonably clear and well-spaced. All parts are given in bass clef with jazz fonts, resembling big band charts. Special effects such as bends, glissandi, and mutes are abundant, requiring an understanding of American genres and their stylistic trades, specially articulations. There are several technically challenging passages and meter changes. The piece also includes an extended bass trombone solo; provided with chord changes for an alternative improvised solo.
Hill Country Miniatures can easily be the focal point of a trombone choir concert due to its variety of styles, length, diversity of challenges, and overall impact. Mr. Lawn does justice to his roots and his trombone heritage. The piece is a substantial contribution to our repertoire.