Review

David F. Wilborn
Tsunami: for 8-part Trombone Ensemble
6 tenors, 2 basses

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

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones

Tsunami, a work for eight trombones by David F. Wilborn, a low brass professor at Texas A&M University-Central Texas, is the result of a commission from the Carolina Trombone Project Consortium. Wilborn has written several award-winning works for brass and his low brass expertise is evident in this work. In program notes included in the publication, he writes that the piece was inspired by the natural phenomenon of a giant wave crashing onto the shore, and the contrast between the calm and the chaos that it creates. The work is divided into three sections: the first one depicts the power and the speed of the tsunami, the second one portrays a peaceful scene of Polynesian music and culture, and the third one returns to the aggressive tsunami theme with a dramatic climax and a sudden silence.

 

The piece challenges the performers with its rhythmic complexity, dynamic contrast, and expressive range. It asks the trombonists to use various techniques such as glissandi, flutter tongue, and mutes to create the requisite effects and colors. Persistent syncopations coupled with driving tempos create the most significant ensemble challenges. Wilborn makes reasonable range demands on the ensemble. The first trombone part rises only to a2, the inners parts are almost entirely within the staff, and the bass trombone part could be performed with just an F attachment.

Tsunami will be a showstopper on any trombone choir recital. It is a well-crafted, exciting composition. Dr. Wilborn is to be commended for intentionally writing a work that is technically accessible to a wide range of players but that also provides such a satisfying experience.