Review

Ian McDougall
Dance Suite:
for three trombones and tuba

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2011
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 4 brass
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

Written for the Vancouver Opera low brass section, Dance Suite contains three movements based on popular dance styles: Movement one, Boogie/Valse, is not derived from boogie woogie as the title would imply, but rather a play on the funky rock dances styles of the 1970’s. However, this is not disco music. Two trombones play in tight rock horn fashion with a complex funk bass line in the bass trombone and tuba to create wonderful caricature that is much more interesting than 70’s dance music. A short jazz waltz in 3/8 provides contrast in the middle of the movement. The second movement, T’anguish, is a simple tango melody carried by the first trombone and accompanied by a hocket style tango bass line in the other three parts. The melody line in the first trombone is not too difficult but does sustain for long periods above g1 requiring stamina. Movement three, Louie’s Jig is a straightforward gigue in 6/8 with a contrasting waltz and duple meter section in the center. As in the tango, first trombone carries most of the melodic load, though there is a short solo for the second trombone, several tutti sections and big cadences. Though this piece is written for three trombones and tuba, it could easily be played by three tenors and bass trombone. It requires excellent rhythm from all players and a strong lead trombone. The lines look difficult but they lay well on the slide and are not too difficult to execute. This is a challenging piece that will provide a lighter flair to any recital. 

-Timothy Howe
University of Missouri