Review

David Uber
Concerto for Trombone Opus 243:

Orlando, FL, United States
Publisher: Wehr's Music House
Date of Publication: 2006
URL: http://www.wehrs-music-house.com

Piano score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Dr. Uber was professor of music at the College of New Jersey for 33 years and also served on the faculties of Westminster Choir College, Princeton University, and the National Music Camp at Interlochen. He was principal trombonist with the New York City Ballet, New York City Opera, the NBC Symphony, NBC Television Opera, the Columbia Recording Symphony, the New York Brass Quintet and the Contemporary Brass Quintet. Dr. Uber was an award-winning member of ASCAP and a prolific composer with over 400 publications to his credit. His music was commissioned and premiered by some of the leading performers and ensembles of our time. Solo and ensemble works for brass constitute a good portion of his output. The Concerto for Trombone was composed in 1987 for the famous Russian virtuoso and teacher Victor Vasilievich Sumerkin. TAP Music Sales originally published this piano reduction.

The Concerto is set in a single movement, in three clearly defined sections, with an ABA’ formal outline. The idiom is tonal with some chromaticism and extended harmonies. The solo writing is idiomatic and not too difficult from a technical standpoint.  It does however require good dynamic control and a secure upper register. An advanced college level student could include it as recital material.

-Karl Hinterbichler
University of New Mexico