Review

Donald Grantham
Dos Havanas:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2023
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Solo score

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - unaccompanied

Having previously written unaccompanied works for flute and violin, Donald Grantham, professor of composition at Butler School of Music at University of Texas Austin, has added Dos Havanas for solo bass trombone to the genre. The composition’s two movements are named for Cuban cigars and the composer provides a program note on the publisher’s website (but not on the review copy of the music) that explains the nuances of Cohiba Esplendido (“subtle, but rich and complex”) and Bolivar Belicoso Fino (“strong and earthy”). As one who has no appreciation for cigars, this descriptive inspiration for the piece is lost on this reviewer, but these movements for advanced players provide plenty of room for personal expression; the first movement is slow and unmetered, and ferocious technique; the second movement requires nimble sixteenth note tonguing and “Remington warmupish” lip slurring at quarter note equals 138. The music is clearly laid out apart from a clash on page two between a footnote and a note from the publisher to respect copyright laws. For cigar-loving bass trombonists, here’s a piece for you.