Review

John Kenny
Trombone Quartet:

Coventry, , United Kingdom
Publisher: Warwick Music Publishers
Date of Publication: 2003
URL: http://www.warwickmusic.com

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

Inspired by Shakespeare’s Sonnet No.60, which the composer calls a “psychological landscape painting in words,” Trombone Quartet is John Kenny’s “response to that literal and emotional landscape.” A series of 14 movements paralleling the 14 lines of the sonnet, the work was commissioned for the Bones Apart Quartet and premiered in 2003 at St. Martin’s in the Fields.

This is an interesting and challenging work. The composer uses an extensive timbral palette to create an impressive array of textures. The extensive use of vocal and breath sounds at the beginning of the piece creates a kind of background conversation from which the piece emerges. Harmon mute effects continue this “talking” motif. Conversation, commentary and drama are constant themes. As the work unfolds, the diversity of styles mirrors the imagination of the poet and composer. The linkage of poetry and music provides a key and motivation for the performers to explore the interpretive boundaries of each section and opens the door for the audience to connect as well. This work represents a significant project for any quartet; the opportunity for artistic growth makes it well worthwhile.

Technical challenges include extended registers for all instruments, brief multi-phonics, some limited improvisation, trills and the whole bag of mutes. The first trombonist doubles on alto trombone. Notation is straight forward presenting no problems for trombonists with an introductory knowledge of new music.

-Andrew Glendening
University of Redlands