Review

John Frith
Sonata:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2008
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with piano

The British composer John Frith composed this sonata for Stephen Fissel, bass trombonist with the Seattle Symphony and faculty artist at the University of Washington.  The work was given its world premier by Mr. Fissel Oct. 19, 2009 at the University of Washington. This substantial new composition for bass trombone requires excellent control in the pedal register, good flexibility, and some relatively fast tongue and slide coordination. All of the movements begin with a three note motive (E-flat–D–E-flat) or its inversion (E–F–E), and the motive also appears transposed throughout the work, helping bring a sense of unity.
 
The piece begins quickly and quietly and by the third measure the soloist is sustaining a soft pedal DD, the lowest note in the piece. The same soft pedals bring the first movement to a close, and in between, bold thematic material requires controlled playing at both ends of the dynamic spectrum. The second movement is not as slow as one would expect, testing endurance with a fair amount of lyrical playing in the upper register. The final movement, aptly described by the composer as a “manic waltz,” is in a fast three with multiple tempo changes, dynamic extremes, and a big, convincing conclusion. This is a nice alternative to the standard recital piece for the advanced bass trombonist. John Frith has composed other bass trombone works by that may be of interest as well.

-Eric High
St. Norbert College