Review

Chris M. Sharpe
Ceremonial Fanfare:
1 alto, 8 tenors (2 in tenor clef), 3 basses, 1 contrabass

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Publisher: C. Sharpe Editions
Date of Publication: 2022
URL: http://www.CSharpeEditions.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 9+ trombones (choir)

Composed for the opening ceremony of the 2022 International Trombone Festival, this accessible fanfare is composed for 12 parts which could be separated into two antiphonal choirs.

The ensemble consists of one alto, seven tenors (two in tenor clef), three basses, and one contrabass. The alto part reaches to b-flat1, however ends on e-flat2 and is manageable by a tenor player. (A tenor clef version of the part comes with the set.) The contrabass descends to DD-flat and could be played by a competent bass trombonist. 

Scored in E-flat, expected triplets, intervals of 4th and 5th, and accented figures are prevalent. A discernible ABA form makes this 2.5-minute work accessible to audiences and ensembles. Parts are clean and easy to read. The website price is $25.00 at the publishing of this review.

Sharpe’s catalog consists primarily of his own compositions, with numerous works for trombone and ensembles. He currently serves as associate professor of trombone at Murray State University. 

This fanfare is recommended for all large ensembles.