Review

Otto Henry
Rondo Pequeño:

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Publisher: Media Press
Date of Publication: 2004
URL: http://www.mediapress.us

Two scores

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 2 trombones

A military tour of duty in Panama served as the inspiration for this “little rondo.” Rondo Pequeño is a lively Latin duet that provides both challenge and enjoyment for its performers. As you might expect, the work is heavily syncopated and full of typical Latin gestures. Its main theme is notated in 4/4 meter, but for the most part its eighth notes are grouped 3+3+2. In fact, although only one measure is organized as such, note groupings throughout the work imply asymmetrical meters. Henry marks the opening tempo an exciting 140 to the quarter note, and at that tempo the rush of ties and syncopations may well cause sensory overload. Tessitura is quite reasonable, with the first part rising to a1 and the second part to g1. Henry distributes melodic and rhythmic interest evenly between the two parts. Neither part requires an F attachment, but having one greatly facilitates performance at notated tempos.

My only criticism of this publication lies in its page layout. The font is large and easy to read, but if you choose to perform the work, be prepared to photocopy; page turns are impossible to navigate. A repeated section that requires several page flips in the space of six measures is especially annoying. Criticisms aside, Rondo Pequeño will make an enjoyable addition to your duet collection. Those in search of a pleasant vehicle for teaching syncopated rhythms and the concept of asymmetrical meter will find this duet fills the bill.

-Paul Overly 
Bob Jones University