Review


Bernard Wayne Sanders
Pèlerinage:
Trombone and organ

Köln, , Germany
Publisher: Verlag Dohr
Date of Publication: 2017
URL: http://www.dohr.de

Score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with organ

Bernard Wayne Sanders holds a BM degree from St. Norbert College and MM in composition and organ from Wichita State University. Postgraduate study in Germany culminated in a further degree in organ performance from the Hochschule für Musik in Hamburg. He has also completed examinations for Church Music in Hamburg and Cologne. His compositions have been recognized in international competitions and are widely represented in American and German publishing houses. They have been heard on Radio Hessen, Radio Bavaria, Wisconsin Public Radio, and repeatedly on the syndicated radio program Pipe Dreams. In 2012 he joined the faculty at the Hochschule für Musik in Trossingen as a lecturer on the history of the organ and organ building. Being a former trombonist, he has composed other works for trombone including: Sonata in d for trombone and organ, Four Advent Motets for three trombones, Etchings for trumpet, trombone and organ, Epitaph for trombone (cello, bassoon) and organ, Rhapsodie for trombone (bassoon, cello) and organ. Pélerinage (Pilgrimage) dates from 2005 and was originally conceived for either ‘cello or trombone and organ. It was premiered at the International Organ Festival in Hasselt, Belgium August 20, 2006.

The composer wrote the following: The six movements explore the gamut of musical expression: a dramatic opening, atmospheric sound clouds, a minimalistic third movement, a rocking, cradle-song (Berceuse), a modo perpetuo and cadenza in the fifth movement and closing with a funeral march fresh from the battle field.

The musical language is tonal and quite traditional. There are a few more modern effects such as organ clusters, half-drawn stops, and flutter tonguing as well as some simple trombone multiphonics in the final movement. The writing is idiomatic for both instruments and technically within the reach of intermediate level performers. Pélerinage is a good musical addition to the rather sparse trombone/organ literature and worthy of performance in both recital and worship settings.

Reviewer: Karl Hinterbichler
Review Published June 23, 2023