Review

Jeremy Niles Kempton
Antiphonal Echoes: for Trombone Quartet and Organ
3 tenor trombones (1 in tenor clef), 1 bass, organ

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2023
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Chamber Music
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

Antiphonal Echoes, composed by the late trombonist and educator Jeremy Kempton, is a captivating work for trombone quartet and organ. Based upon the medieval Christmas carol "On This Day Earth Shall Ring," this piece showcases the beauty and power of antiphonal brass. Following a brief introduction, the organ and quartet engage in a joyful dialogue, exchanging phrases from the carol. The composition features two stanzas of the carol, with brief transitions, and concluding with a vibrant toccata-like flourish.

The organ and quartet parts are simple and powerful. The first trombone part demands a confident upper register, reaching a high c2 towards the end. The other parts remain largely within the staff, making them accessible to advanced-intermediate players. "Antiphonal Echoes" would suit both concert and church settings. For those without organ access, Kempton also composed an alternative version for trombone octet available through Cherry Classics.