Review

Jean-Michel Damase
Five O’Clock Tea:

Paris, , France
Publisher: Gérard Billaudot Éditeur
Date of Publication: 1999

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

It goes without saying that music written for the younger student must be age appropriate in order to serve its purpose. Too often though music of this type lacks creativity and intrinsic value. Such is not the case with Jean-Michel Damase’s Five O’Clock Tea. The trombone part is rather simple in design, range and technique. Written in the key of e-flat major, the solo lines resemble those of an elementary Concone or Bordogni vocalise, incorporating a range of just over an octave from e to f1. The music moves along at a steady clip in a flowing 3/4 meter. The phrases are well marked and the economy of dynamic markings are just enough to guide the performer but not smother him with instructions; simple, straightforward - nice and easy. The piano accompaniment is a different story. Here the music goes where you might not expect, using lush harmonies with leanings towards Romanticism and Impressionism. Although not terribly difficult, the piano part will require an experienced pianist to bring out the potential of this music. Leaving out the inner notes of chords to simplify the technique will ruin the texture and tonalities that gives this piece character.  The middle school student who has access to a pianist who can play the part is indeed fortunate and can learn a great deal from this music. A more experienced trombonist looking for a beautiful, yet short and simple piece, for a church service or recital filler may also want to take a look at this one. Five O’Clock Tea is available from the publisher and through the Theodore Presser Company.  

-Bill Mathis
Bowling Green State University