Review

Jeremy Niles Kempton
Lament:
Solo trombone, string orchestra

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

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with orchestra

As the title would suggest, Lament for trombone solo and string orchestra by Jeremy Niles Kempton (2019) is a slow, lyrical work in a melancholy vein. Kempton (1944-2020) was a trombonist, teacher and conductor who studied with Emory Remington at Eastman and also attended the University of Illinois.

The opening is partly reminiscent of Shostakovich. The structure is straightforward with a modal section dominated by descending scales that gives way to two sections in major keys. The parts and score are neatly laid out and precise. The solo part sits in a medium high range between e-flat to high b-flat¹, much like a tenor voice, and should be playable by any performer with reasonable range and endurance. The string parts are quite playable and should not require significant rehearsal.