Review

Brian Kershner
Trombotriptych:
tenor trombone (in tenor clef), wood blocks, bongo drums

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2021 / 2023
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with other instruments

This piece was written in 2021 for Topher Logan, who is principal trombone of the Thayer Symphony and the Connecticut Virtuosi, and active as a freelance jazz and classical musician throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. The percussion comprises wood blocks and bongo drums (1 player).

It is a complicated piece, calling for Harmon mute, cup mute, glissandi, flutter tongue, and multiphonics, requiring the player to sing over the range c1 - f1. In 223 measures, 15 different meter signatures are used, and there are 122 meter changes, calling to mind someone nervously pacing the floor and being unable to sit down. The trombone part is in bass and tenor clefs, and has an overall range of AA - c2. It includes many eighth and sixteenth notes and a few thirty-second notes, and a high level of virtuosity is called for in both parts. With no regular pulse, just keeping together will be a challenge. The given tempo indication is ‘moderately fast’ at quarter = 92. The publisher’s website indicates this piece as ‘appropriate for very advanced performers’. Absolutely!

Dr Kershner is Professor Emeritus at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT, and plays bassoon. He has composed more than 50 pieces, many of which have been played internationally, published and recorded.