Review

Charles Small
Duet for Piano and Two Trombones:

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Publisher: Wehr's Music House
Date of Publication: 1992
URL: http://www.wehrs-music-house.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Chamber Music
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 2 trombones

Celebrated trombonist and composer, Charles Small, has written this work for tenor and bass trombones with piano. The duet opens with an unaccompanied lyrical statement by the tenor trombone which is answered by bass trombone with accompaniment. An engaging development section follows with complex rhythmic activity among the parts, most especially triplets against sixteenth note figures. An almost “march” feel provides a strongly contrasting middle section that is especially percussive in the piano part. This transitions to a cadenza in duet form between the two trombone parts and closes with a reminder of the introductory lyrical statement. Each part provides technical challenges, most especially in rhythm and melodic intervals, and there are opportunities for unaccompanied performance. Range demands are not excessive, with the tenor part scored mostly in the upper middle range; there is a d-flat2 in the cadenza, and the bass part in the middle range; there is one f1. The work is tonal, yet has a distinct contemporary harmonic motion. The orchestration is quite creative, with a weaving of melodic and harmonic responsibilities among all three parts. Once command of each individual part is accomplished, it appears to be a reasonable amount of work to put all parts together. The publisher’s website indicates an orchestration option with wind ensemble. While the print is clear, an uncommon font style is used which takes some adjustment for comfortable reading. Given the success of Conversation, it is surprising that this work has not received more performance time from the great tenor/bass trombone duet artists.  

-David Stern
Lewiston, Maine