Review

William Goldstein
Colloquy for Solo Trombone and Symphonic Band:

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Publisher: Merion Music, Inc.
Date of Publication: 1967

Piano score and solo part.

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with band
Secondary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Commissioned by David Maser for performance with the U.S. Army Band, Colloquy has become a standard in the solo trombone repertoire, being performed and recorded by many of the world’s most renowned soloists. An orchestra version was commissioned in 1992 by Ronald Baron for performance with the Boston Symphony. All ensemble parts are readily available for rental. The work is given in three sections, fast – slow – fast. The introduction is a robust fanfare marked “With excitement,” and comprised of energetic rhythmic motives. Statement and answer exchanges between soloist and ensemble serve to develop these motives through an engaging harmonic motion in the first section. The contrasting middle section provides excellent opportunity to demonstrate lyrical playing of melodies which consist of wide skips, yet with a strong tonal center. “With a definite jazz feel (should swing)” is the indication given at the beginning of the third section and was inspired by the commissioner’s jazz skills. This section was originally scored with moments of improvisation; however at the direction of Maser, a composed solo was written that retains an improvisatory sense about it. While there is a jazz feel to the syncopation, there are still rhythmic motives exchanged between the solo and ensemble parts giving the entire work a greater sense of unity. In the words of the composer, “Colloquy is an emotionally connective piece of Americana, contemporary and romantic, influenced by the idols of my youth: Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein.” Ensemble parts are quite challenging and most likely require a good college or professional ensemble. The piano accompanist will be extremely challenged and will likely have to reduce many of the original ensemble parts further than indicated in the score.  The range of the solo part is E-c2, well within the advanced college student’s ability. This is an excellent work for concerto competition, especially with symphonic band accompaniment.

-David Stern
Lewiston, Maine