Review

Henry Wolking
Just Do It:
2 b-flat trumpets, trombone, tuba

Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2021
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 4 brass

Henry Wolking, retired Professor Emeritus from the University of Utah, is a composer and performer currently based in Nevada. His compositions span a wide range of genres from large, multi-movement orchestral works and chamber concerti to jazz big band compositions. Just Do It is a lighthearted, fun composition in three continuous parts.

From the publisher: “Wolking’s new work Just Do It for Brass Quartet is in three sections, with each part named after the title of the work. Just is lithe, buoyant, and lively. Do is slow, relaxed, and lyrical. It is fast, confident, and striding.”

Just Do It is perfectly suited for intermediate to advanced performers. With its faster, articulate passages, trombone written in tenor clef, and range (b-flat trumpet a – b2, trombone c – b-flat1, tuba GG – g), it may prove out of reach for younger musicians. Also, though it may only be present on the reviewer’s copy, part three has many instances where the beams are difficult to read. While not detrimental, it is noteworthy.

The first part, Just, showcases lyricism intertwined with a technical, driving locomotive. While the piece only contains four voices, Wolking’s writing, orchestration, and aggregate instrumental entrances elicits a more expanded orchestration. True to the publisher’s word, Just creates a sort of “lively” innocence that is enjoyable for performers and audience members alike.

Next, Do is pensively reflective, in stark contrast to the cheerful part one. Harmonically, part two dives deeper, reminiscent of choral works through freely used tensions and suspensions. As a result, part two has a contemplative beauty. Approximately halfway through, tension boils over with a very tricky composite rhythm (this moment can be heard approximately 1/3 of the way through the sample recording on the Cherry Classics website).

Finally, It reimagines the lithe motion of the part one with more rhythmic homogeny in the top three voices. Taken together, one may interpret this work as an evolution of life. Just highlights a simple, innocent, youthful persona. Do explores conscious emotional growth and maturity, with all its struggle and introspection. It depicts a fully realized, confident adult who maintains that similar lively innocence from childhood.

Just Do It may not provide extreme difficulty, but its charming personality and programmatic nature, coupled with a vague title, make it a delightful addition to any program.