Review

John Glenesk Mortimer
Divertimento Concertante for 2 Trombones and Orchestra:
2 Trombones and Orchestra (piano reduction)

Crans-Montana, , Switzerland
Publisher: Editions Marc Reift
Date of Publication: 1993

Piano reduction

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

Divertimento Concertante for 2 Trombones and Orchestra by John Glenesk Mortimer is dedicated to Pia Bucher and Branimir Slokar. It is scored for two tenor trombones, although a bass trombonist with a secure upper register could perform the solo trombone 2 part. It is given in four movements: Moderato Maestoso, 2/4 meter; Allegretto scherzando, 6/8; Con moto, 3/4; and Allegro giocoso, 4/4. There are no meter changes within movements and aside from three slight ‘ritardando – a tempo’ passages there are no tempo changes. Both solo parts are given in tenor clef with some bass clef and printed on the same page in a two-line score. All page turns are well planned with ample rests. The range of solo trombone 1 is E–d-flat2; solo trombone 2 ranges E–c2. Trombone 1 is usually higher than trombone 2, although the voices sometimes cross. The piece involves no cadenzas, mutes or special playing effects.

Divertimento Concertante is tonal and fairly chromatic. Key signatures are not used but movements 1, 3 and 4 are centered in C Major, while the second movement is in c minor. The first movement is declamatory in style. Solo lines vary between canons, usually at the measure, and harmony. Soloists alternate passages for almost the entire second movement and will have to be careful not to enter late in this movement. The third movement is more lyrical, and the energetic fourth movement features dotted rhythms and alternates between canon and harmonized sections. While there are some rapid technical passages and a few tricky leaps, this piece is accessible to good college-level players and will make a nice recital choice for a long duet with piano.

-Frank Gazda
Delaware State University