Review

Jonathan Warburton
Among Us:

Coventry, , United Kingdom
Publisher: Warwick Music Publishers
Date of Publication: 2009
URL: http://www.warwickmusic.com

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with piano

Mr. Warburton dedicates Among Us to Detroit Symphony Orchestra bass trombonist Randy Hawes. This work uses limited range, D flat–e1, so a bass trombone is necessary only for reasons of tone color. In fact, F-attachment is only necessary for two notes in the whole piece. The relatively easy tessitura of the piece may be offset by the overall lack of rest for the trombonist. Rhythms are quite easy, the phrases, dynamics and tempo alterations clearly marked. The tempo indication of quarter=80, “gently flowing,” seems a bit slow in my opinion. In any case, judicious use of rubato, seems indicated. The initial performance challenge may be the consistent playing of all six flats in the key signature on the first page. After a short development section the piece ends in G major. This is a fine ballad for trombone.

I wish that Mr. Warburton had noted alternate position indications as a reminder to performers to use the whole slide and keep those half steps in adjacent positions. As the work is to be played in cantabile style, these alternate position cues might help the student trombonist achieve a more effective performance. Playable by an accomplished high school trombonist, in my opinion Among Us fits a variety of musical situations, most certainly including religious services. 

-Michael Davidson
University of Kansas