Review

David Gaines
Lyrical Fanfare:

Baltimore, MD, United States
Publisher: David Gaines
Date of Publication: 1993

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

A professor at the University of Maryland, David Gaines is credited with creating the first, college level, internet music course for credit. Lyric Fanfare, which apparently dates from his student days, is a short composition, about four minutes in length, but a fairly long fanfare. The moderate tempo, quarter note=88, allows for a vigorous presentation of both the numerous tonally oriented sixteenth note patterns and the sentimental middle section. Unfortunately, the texture is cast in an indifferent light by numerous parallel octaves in the piano, which Gaines notes “functions as a partner for the trombone.” Technically within the reach of a college player, this pleasant work can function as a robust recital opener. Range is not a problem, as the focus is on articulating triplet sixteenths and capturing the energy of a capricious chromatic landscape. 

-Joel Elias
Sacramento State University