Review

Pascal Proust
Soneria:

Paris, , France
Publisher: Editions Combre (Theodore Presser)
Date of Publication: 2002

Piano score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Soneria is a short, accessible work suitable for an advanced high school student or college freshman. Proust centers the work primarily in F, using the middle register of the instrument and leaving most of the melody in the solo part. The form of the piece is straightforward: an opening fanfare, based on F and B-flat chords, segues into a lyric second section. A cadenza follows, using passages from the opening, then leads to a concluding section in 12/8 meter. There are few technical challenges for the performers, and the piano part is quite simple, easily available to a young player. Trombone range extends from low F up to one high a1 in the cadenza; there is a short muted section and one measure in the cadenza using tenor clef. An f attachment is not necessary and the tenor clef section is short enough that any player can work through it. There are no rehearsal letters but the first measure of each staff is numbered. The music offers good contrast in style, a chance for a young player to work out the phrasing of a cadenza, and is quite tuneful for the listener. There is certainly a need for well-written works at this level; this is a fine addition to the repertoire.

-David Mathie
Boise State University