Review

James Bicigo
Check:

Massapequa, NY, United States
Publisher: Cor Publishing Company
Date of Publication: 2005

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - unaccompanied

University of Alaska Fairbanks trombone instructor Dr. James Bicigo explains the genesis of his piece Check for solo bass trombone:
	This work for solo bass trombone (possibly played on tuba as well) was 	composed for a student of mine, Murphy McCaleb. Murphy is not only a talented 	player, but a talented young composer as well. At one point, we each challenged 	the other to compose something new for the other player. The result on my end 	was Check. This work is intended to challenge the player through all sorts of 	calisthenics while remaining musical and somewhat unified compositionally.  	Murphy premiered Check in a student recital at the University of Alaska 	Fairbanks shortly after it was composed. I never have gotten a piece from 	Murphy. . .  

The piece transitions through a number of different sections that are unified by two simple motives. The first is a three note motive consisting of a descending major third followed by an ascending major second, G-E-flat-F. This motive is introduced immediately in the opening Adagio and returns throughout the piece by itself or attached to the second motive, three ascending major seconds, C-D-E-F-sharp. Both motives also appear inverted, or in other manipulations throughout the work.

After the opening adagio, there is a cadenza that contains both the lowest, D-flat, and highest, c2 notes in the piece. The composition also contains a number of sections of varying tempo, meter, and dynamics. Some of the more difficult passages are full of fast sixteenth-notes in the trigger and pedal registers while others are lovely and lyrical. And as Dr. Bicigo indicates, that the piece is only “somewhat unified,” it allows plenty of room for interpretation. This work will challenge every aspect of the bass trombonist’s playing and it is a nice addition to the unaccompanied bass trombone repertoire. 

-Eric High
St. Norbert College