Review

Gary Belshaw
Constellations:
solo trombone and eight part trombone choir

Coventry, , United Kingdom
Publisher: Warwick Music Publishers
Date of Publication: 2004
URL: http://www.warwickmusic.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with brass
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 9+ trombones (choir)

Constellations is a four movement work drawing inspiration from astronomical formations and the mythical images they suggest, perhaps something of a mini Planets Suite for trombones. The first movement, “Canis Major and Minor,” features interplay between soloist and ensemble to depict celestial dogs at play. The second movement, entitled “Ursa Major and Ursa Minor” quotes the Russian anthem “God Preserve Thy People,” also quoted by Tchaikovsky in 1812 Overture and March Slave. The third movement, “Fornax” (the Furnace) features the melodic soloist pitted against the trombone ensemble in bell tone harmonic formations. Here the top four parts are divisi, so at least two performers on a part are required for performance. The last movement, “Eridanus” in 12/8 meter of uneven subdivisions suggests the ebb and flow of a celestial river. A whole tone cyclical motive appears in each movement and serves to unify the work as a whole.

This work was written for Don Lucas and 76+ Trombone Workshop, Las Vegas, Nevada 2003. Since the first four parts are divided, the composer clearly intends a choir with doubled parts, requiring a minimum of at least 16 performers to render a performance with proper balances. Bass trombone is indicated for the two lowest parts, which utilize both the trigger and pedal registers, but a double trigger is not necessary. The solo part covers a range from F to c2, and is not beyond the technical abilities of an advanced university level performer. The ensemble parts are well within the range of ability of most university/conservatory or amateur level trombone choirs. All parts are in bass clef and the print quality and page layout provide easy reading.

-Wayne Groves
Aguascalientes Symphony Orchestra