Review

William D. Pardus
Suite for Trumpet, Brass Choir, and Tympani:
three trumpets, four horns, three trombones, euphonium, tuba, and tympani

Marlborough, NH, United States
Publisher: Creation Station
Date of Publication: 2004

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 6+ brass (choir)
Secondary Genre: Chamber Music

Composed in 2004 for entry into the 2005 International Trumpet Guild Composition Contest, William D. Pardus has contributed a challenging three-movement work for solo trumpet with brass choir and tympani. Set for three trumpets, four horns, three trombones, euphonium, tuba, and tympani, the three movements of this work are titled Intrada, Lament, and March, and are basically tonal, yet “exhibit a ‘contemporary feel’ through the use of a mix of tertial and quartal harmonies.” The first movement begins with a fanfare motive using the tritone interval in fourths among the three trumpet parts. A concentrated drive is needed as the ensemble parts, which are not range intensive, are rhythmically motivated. Harmonic and tonal colors are explored in the mixed-meter second movement. Careful intonation and tonal control are required as the scoring is sparse for most of the movement. There are additional changing meter and syncopation issues, and the euphonium and first trombone rise to b-flat1.  Composed in 6/8, the March contains interjections of 5/8 meter, hemiola, and demanding unison figures.  Ensemble precision is essential for a successful performance. Throughout the work, the tympani part provides solo opportunities and requires pitch changes in the middle of movements. The solo trumpet part is not easy; however, it is idiomatic and definitely enables the soloist to demonstrate technique and musicianship.  If your brass ensemble is looking for a trumpet-feature with challenging ensemble parts in a contemporary vein, this work is appropriate.

-David Stern
Lewiston, ME