Review

David Sampson
In Time:
bass trombone, piano, and percussion

Vuarmarens, , Switzerland
Publisher: Editions Bim
Date of Publication: 1989
URL: http://www.editions-bim.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Chamber Music
Secondary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with other instruments

In Time was written in memory of the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. It incorporates various rhythmic elements and timbres that suggest Chinese music. The bass trombone part utilizes a wide range of the instruments expressive capabilities, from low pedal tones down to DD, up to b-flat1, vivid dynamic contrasts, use of straight and Harmon mutes, flutter tongue, all in a highly elaborate rhythmic and melodic context. The percussion part features the use of vibraphone, 5 temple blocks, 3 wood blocks, snare drum, bass drum, and suspended cymbal. The piano likewise is often employed in a highly percussive manner as befitting of music depicting the harsh repression of peaceful protesters. 

This one movement piece is roughly divided into five sections beginning with a disjointed passage of frequent and complex meter changes building from quiet temple blocks, soft staccato piano and muted trombone to a violent interplay between the three musicians. In the second section, the bass trombone assumes the melodic narrative against a fast two-part rhythmic counterpoint between the piano and vibraphone. This is followed by a brief slow passage where trombone pleads against the monolithic force of piano and the ominous rumble of bass drum. Tempo then builds, pitting trombone and percussion against piano culminating in a trombone cadenza. The last section is again slower, beginning softly and then erupting suddenly in a violent outburst, with the three performers now more unified though still rhythmically agitated and then dying away with trombone in Harmon mute and piano in its high register against temple blocks. 

David Sampson is a prolific composer who also works as a trumpet player and educator. His works feature many compositions for solo wind instruments often with somewhat unusual accompaniment. His inspiration for this piece may be due in part as result of the death of his older brother, Bill Sampson, during a protest in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1979. This piece will be highly appealing to strong bass trombone players looking for a vehicle to express the full technical, expressive and emotional character of their instrument.

-Wayne Groves
Orquesta Sinfónica de Aguascalientes