Review


Antonio J. García
Three for Two (or One or Three):
Trombone(s) and/or euphonium(s) with optional percussion (bongos, snare drum)

Anniston, AL, United States
Publisher: Potenza Music Publishing
Date of Publication: 2015 / 2019
URL: http://www.potenzamusic.com
Language: English

Compact disc containing score and parts, live demo, midi practice tracks

Primary Genre: Chamber Music

Three for Two (or One or Three) is a three-movement composition that may be performed in fourteen different instrumental combinations: I. Two Three, II. Even Eight, III. Triple Play. The main musical material is presented in a solo trombone part, playable on a tenor trombone without an 'F' Attachment. Other possible combinations include incorporation of an alternate percussion part and various duet versions with or without percussion. There are occasional pedal GG-flats and BB-flats; the highest note is b-flat¹.

The piece comes with a compact disc that includes the complete score, the solo part, individual parts for various possible performance combinations including treble clef B-flat euphonium parts, comparative scores that include the original solo part with other arrangements, a live demo, and 'Music Minus One'-style midi tracks for practice and rehearsal. There is an extensive description of the history and musical make-up of the piece included in both the printed version and compact disc scores, along with detailed suggestions for practice, written by the composer.

The piece incorporates Latin, Jazz and Classical influences. There are optional solo lines that may be omitted, allowing opportunities for improvisation. In the first movement, rhythmic complexity offers an opportunity for study of the Afro-Cuban 2/3 clave. The second and third movements are a straight eighth-note ballad, and shuffle feel respectively. 

The extensive pedagogical resources included with the written suggestions, flexible instrumentation, compact disc accompaniments, parts and scores make this piece easy to incorporate into a collegiate degree recital. The piece features a diversity of musical styles, creating an opportunity to include something interesting, while demanding a high level of technical and musical proficiency from the performer(s).

Reviewer: Sean Reed
Review Published June 20, 2023