Review

Pascal Proust
Amadeus Prélude:

Paris, , France
Publisher: Éditions Combre
Date of Publication: 2001

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

Pascal Proust, a French composer who has written an extensive amount of educational music for wind instruments, has written a solo that provides a worthwhile opportunity and challenge for the beginning trombone player. The range, only one octave, is manageable for this level. Dynamics, which span from piano to forte, shift frequently and feature several echo effects. The solo part has a clear G major tonality, a key that will appropriately challenge a beginner. The tempo, quarter note equals 72, is manageable, beginning with most of the note values at quarter note or longer, then becoming progressively more difficult. The mood and style of the piece begins Maestoso, quickly changes to Cantabile, and ends Léger. The final section, approximately the last third of the piece, features faster note values, more staccatos, and more variety of articulation in general. There are brief piano interludes in the solo, allowing the beginning trombonist to rest and to practice counting rests. Overall, this brief piece provides a good variety of dynamics, articulations, and styles in a format beneficial for a beginning soloist.

-Will Kimball
Brigham Young University