Review

Vladislav Blazhevich
Terzetti:

Chicago, IL, United States
Publisher: Briar Music Press
Date of Publication: 2009
URL: http://www.briarmusic.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 3 trombones

Most trombonists know of Blazhevich through his renowned and somewhat feared clef studies and duets. This four-movement concert piece for trombone trio bears the musical traits of these better-known offerings while presenting somewhat milder challenges. According to the publisher, this was originally published by Crown Music Press as the Second Suite for Three Trombones (now out of print) although Terzetti is apparently the correct title. The composition date is estimated to be in the 1930’s, a time when Blazhevich was teaching at the Moscow Conservatory. The first movement is a somewhat didactic contrapuntal exercise in 11/4 meter.  The second movement, reminiscent of his prettier lyrical duets, will help develop ensemble sensitivity as players learn to stay together through the frequent fermatas. Rhythmic accuracy is a must in both the light 3/8 scherzo of the third movement and the lively gallop of the fourth. A few chromatic passages will require focused rehearsal but the reasonable ranges make this piece accessible to good college undergraduates or possibly even advanced high school students. All three performers, however, must be rhythmically solid in order handle the frequently independent parts. The publisher wisely provides both a tenor and alto clef version of the first part. The second part is given in tenor clef. The lowest voice, ranging down to CC, will greatly benefit from the timbre of a bass trombone. The upper voices stay mostly within their clef’s staff, occasionally ranging up to b-flat1 and g1 in the first and second parts, respectively. With the possible exception of the first movement, the piece should go over well with audiences, especially the energetic final movement which shares a Shostakovich sense of ironic wit. The edition is good quality but would benefit from biographical information about the composer.  Any trombone trio looking to program a variety of works should definitely consider adding the Terzetti to their program.

-Brad Edwards
University of South Carolina