Review

Augustin Maillard
Ballade:

Paris, , France
Publisher: Gerard Billaudot Editeur
Date of Publication: 1986
URL: http://www.presser.com

Piano score and solo part

Primary Genre: Elementary Material - solo
Secondary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Maillard’s Ballade is aimed at beginner to intermediate players. Range, G to d-sharp1, and overall tessitura lie within reach of this level player. Although the pulse is fast-moving, quarter note=176, the melodic line is carried by quarter notes and half notes, so it does not present significant technical challenges. The most challenging technical requirements come in a variation of the opening melodic line that utilizes glissandi. In this passage, the rapid tempo presents some technical challenge for the younger player. Dynamic contrast relies on subito changes throughout the work. The work’s “roadmap” is a little hard to follow with multiple repeats, Del Segno, Da Capo, and two codas, an effort to conserve paper, no doubt, but this obstacle can be easily overcome in lessons and rehearsal. Although aimed at younger players, the work may have difficulty keeping their interest as the melodic line is somewhat disjunct, broken up by short rests. The contrasting lyrical melody of the middle section is more fulfilling, but too short.

Those who teach younger players will no doubt find this a useful work to have in their library. This is the perfect piece for a first-time soloist. Unlike many developmental solos, the piano part is written on the same level, so two younger players could work on it together. In fact, it may be within reach of the piano technique of some trombone teachers! 

-Jeremy Kolwinska
University of Tennessee at Martin