Review

Robert Baksa
Trombone Sonata :

Bryn Mawr, PA, United States
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company
Date of Publication: 1994 / 1998
URL: http://www.presser.com

Piano score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Baksa’s Trombone Sonata is a well-crafted composition. The musical language is contemporary, yet easily accessible to individuals with limited exposure to this genre. The melodies are linear in character and appear to be harmonically conceived as the material often includes arpeggiations of underlying quartal and triadic harmonies. The tessitura of the solo line encompasses the two octaves between F-f1 while the actual range extends from D-a1. The first movement nicely integrates a lilting melody in compound meter with thoughtful counterpoint between trombone and piano. Rhythmic interest and momentum are created in the middle section by a repetitive rhythmic figure that slightly displaces the beat. The second movement, marked freely, seems to function as a slow introduction to the final movement much as recitative precedes aria. The accompaniment’s role is limited and responsibility for linear interest is clearly on the shoulders of the trombonist. While frequent alterations to the beat subdivision create interest and assist in a free interpretation of the material, there is a preponderance of arpeggiated diminished 7th chords in the melodic material of this movement. The final movement maintains the use of arpeggiated diminished 7th chords as a major melodic idea, most often in some sequential manner. The writing of the final movement may be a little less gratifying than the previous two movements. Overall, the composition is a skillful and musically satisfying work for trombone. The technical demands placed on the trombonist are well within the capabilities of an advanced high school level trombonist. This is a feasible composition for use in the applied studio or as a selection for a first recital experience.

-Kevin Chiarizzio
Liberty University