Eric Ewazen
Visions of Light Concerto for Trombone and Wind Ensemble:
San Antonio, TX, United States
Publisher: Southern Music Company
Date of Publication: 2003
Edition for trombone and piano by the composer. Piano score and solo part.
Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano
Visions of Light Concerto for Trombone and Wind Ensemble:
San Antonio, TX, United States
Publisher: Southern Music Company
Date of Publication: 2003
Edition for trombone and piano by the composer. Piano score and solo part.
Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano
Eric Ewazen is truly a leading composer of our time and a great contributor to brass repertoire. His works have been performed and recorded by many prestigious orchestras and chamber ensembles, and he has collaborated with many important brass players. This concerto, written for Joesph Alessi and the Indiana University Wind Ensemble is given in three movements. Each movement draws its inspiration from a classic photo taken by Ansel Adams, though the music is not intended to be strictly programmatic. The first movement, subtitled “Monolith, The Face of Half Dome” is both rhythmic and lyrical, depicting the contrast between the sky and the rock face as well as the shapes and lines of the mountain. The second movement, “Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico” makes frequent use of three against two rhythms and minor tonality to reflect the mysterious landscape of buildings, a village cemetery, and rising hills and mountains with the moon rising behind it. The third movement, “Thunderclouds, White Mountain Range” begins in 6/8 meter with rising and falling lines that depict the gathering storm clouds. Driving exchanges between soloist and accompaniment suggest the gathering energy of the approaching storm, and the piece ends in blazing glory with an optional high f2! Obviously, the composer was also inspired by Mr. Alessi’s brilliant musicianship! This work is a major contribution to the trombone concerto repertoire. While it is not completely beyond the abilities of many advanced university level trombonists, it demands both the technical and interpretative skills of a truly virtuoso performer. The piano reduction by the composer also requires the skills of a highly accomplished pianist. -Wayne Groves Aguascalientes Symphony Orchestra