Trombone Concerto (I wrote this concerto in Spring 1987, for my good friend Ed Tarrants Final Recital at the Guildhall School of Music. The music of Gregson, Defaye and Bourgeois was very much part of my life as a student trombone player when I wrote this piece, and its not surprising that their influences can be heard. The first Movement is a romp; boisterous then agitated, then stately, with a dreamlike section in the dominant minor key in the middle. It is very much influenced by Edward Gregson, and with a lot of 4ths in the solo part and accompaniment. Given the significance of the two Eds, its no surprise that the main theme starts, finished and keeps returning to the notes E and D. The second Movement starts in hope, but settles down to a rather serious theme, which builds to a Shostakovitchian climax. After a brief, peaceful interlude, the moods are then reversed, as the theme is shown in more uplifted vein before giving way to a lonely cadenza, which introduces snatches of the third movement to follow. A serene coda closes the movement. The short third movement is upbeat and lively, (dancing and quirky). There are moments of Derek Bourgeois before a robust, totally tromboney section. The piece ends spectacularly in its home key of D minor. The Concerto is dedicated to Peter Gane, who has helped me and countless other trombone players so very much. Performance Note: Apart from issues of stamina - the trombone plays for much of the works 15-minute duration - the only real technical hurdle is the against-the-grain slurs in the third movement. But these can be acheived by the usual means of diaphragm support, plenty of breath, and practice! Its an effect unique to the trombone, visually and aurally, and should be thrown off as such. A "false embouchure" may be required for the very low slur (pedal Eflat up to pedal A) in the first movement. The range of the piece is quite extensive, from pedal Eflat to high F, giving a good workout in all registers. I hope that trombone players will enjoy exploring the various aspects of the instrument that Ive presented them with, and that the music proves satisfying for them too.)
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