Slideshow:
6 tenor, 2 bass trombones
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2019
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com
Score and parts
Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones
Scored for six tenor and two bass trombones, David Wilborn’s SlideShow is a rhythmically energetic, mostly tonal work. Written in a fast-slow-fast, ternary form, the performance time is about six and a half minutes when performed up to tempo. The opening begins with the upper parts playing a quick, galloping ostinato while lower parts play the main theme in unison. This texture is frequently interspersed with short syncopated chordal sections in rhythmic unison. The contrasting slow section creatively employs most of the same rhythmic and melodic material as the opening. However, Wilborn orchestrates it in such a way as to create a greater sense of space and harmonic warmth. While it ends mostly as it began, the ending feels conclusive and powerful.
SlideShow is a widely accessible piece for trombone ensembles at a variety of experience levels. All the parts are written in bass clef. The first tenor trombone part never exceeds b-flat¹, while the second bass trombone part never plays below BB-flat. Both bass trombone parts could be played on a tenor trombone with an F-attachment if necessary, although this is not ideal for a few sections.
Parts and score are generally clear and well edited with an abundance of dynamics, articulations, and other performance marks. While there are no large rehearsal numbers or letters, the measure numbers are marked at the beginning of each staff system in score and parts. David Wilborn’s vibrant showpiece should prove a welcome addition to many trombone ensemble libraries.
Review Published June 20, 2023