Review

Ben Carrasquillo
Refulgence: for Solo Trombone and 8-part Trombone Ensemble
7 tenors, 2 basses

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2022
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 9+ trombones (choir)

With Refulgence, Ben Carrasquillo, Instructor of Trombone and Jazz Studies at Eastern Illinois University, has added a dynamic new work in the “trombone soloist with trombone ensemble” category. This well-crafted and approachable piece consists of ensemble parts for eight trombones, all of which could be managed by a solid collegiate group. The melodic ranges are reasonable for each part and there are very few individually challenging or exposed moments. The solo trombone part, while demanding, has a comfortable melodic range from A to c2 with ample time to rest throughout.
After bold opening statements by the soloist, the ensemble sustains lush harmonies while individual members exchange short melodic passages. One of these passages is employed as a unifying motif, returning multiple times throughout the nine-minute work. This sonorous introduction builds to a dramatic fortissimo, introducing a driving staccato ostinato accompaniment that supports the soloist. As the ostinato continues, this section develops through incremental changes in dynamics, along with the return of the unifying motive from the opening; all in service of building to the first of two significant cadenzas, allowing the soloist to bring down the intensity and transition into the contrasting half time section. Here the soloist part is exclusively lyrical in character while the ensemble moves through rich harmonies somewhat reminiscent of the beginning of the work. The slower section transitions back to the driving ostinato bit by bit until the ensemble is once again building to the final solo cadenza and the big finish.
Refulgence was inspired by the Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra by Jim Pugh, with whom the composer studied at the University of Illinois. The premier performance, featuring the composer as soloist, can be found on YouTube or accessed through cherryclassics.com. It is well worth looking into.