Review

Christopher Brubeck
Flight of the Four Kings:

New York, NY, United States
Publisher: Carl Fischer
Date of Publication: 2006
URL: http://www.carlfischer.com

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

Flight of the Four Kings was commissioned by the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University for the ensemble-in-residence Novus Trombone Quartet, and has subsequently been recorded on their self-titled compact disc. Composer Christopher Brubeck indicates in the program notes, “When I started Flight of the Four Kings, my only preconception was that I wanted to write something in 12/8. Everything else unfolded from that premise.” Brubeck is an ASCAP award-winning writer, known not only for his compositions, but also for his bass trombone performing and recording with his father, jazz legend David Brubeck. Contrast superbly describes this work, as moments of lyricism are juxtaposed with energetic rhythmic tutti lines, duple and triple subdivisions can be found next to each other, and surprise modal cadences are expressively used. No key signature is given and the harmony is clearly modal and jazz-influenced. Articulation, dynamic, and stylistic markings are clear and consistent interpretation among all four parts is essential for correct performance. Many meter changes require ensemble command of subdivision for rhythmic precision. Ranges are appropriate among all parts, with the first part requiring command of d2 and the bass part requiring FF. Tenor clef is used only in the first part.  Idiomatic writing challenges each player to demonstrate technical prowess. Rests are amply interspersed for individual pacing and strategically placed for page turns; however, the turns are fast. Fresh sounds, combined with a fanfare-like opening, exciting ending and expressive development section, make this work ideal for any part of a good college or professional trombone quartet performance.

-David Stern
Lewiston, Maine