Review

Harry Freedman
Quartet:
3 tenors (one in tenor clef), 1 bass

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 1974 / 2024
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

Polish-Canadian composer and english hornist, Harry Freedman, composed Quartet for trombones, bassoons, or cellos in 1973 and this work is reflective of this time with its avant-garde nature. This piece immediately packs a dissonant punch with a fanfare-esque triplet motif that dominates the beginning of the composition. The ostinato of eighth note triplets and rhythmic unison is occasionally interrupted by staggered bell tones, also dissonant, which create unease for the listener. The lack of a comfortable tonal key center for most of the piece would make this an intriguing break in a concert program to showcase contemporary compositional techniques. 

Though written for three tenors and one bass trombone, there are moments where Freedman writes all four parts in tenor clef which could pose a challenge for bass trombonists. As far as range goes, the piece goes from C up to d-flat2. Freedman utilizes a refreshing change in timbre with a straight mute section in the middle of the work, complemented with an unusual free form section. Here his instructions are “each player proceeds independently” and it is up to the performers to interpret the musician phrase. There are also tasteful glissandi and moments of mixed meter. 

I would recommend this piece for a quartet that specializes in playing modern compositions and enjoys the avant-garde style. Due to the tenor clef usage in all four parts it is likely more accessible to more experienced college students, but is also a fantastic opportunity for young players to put their clef knowledge to the test.