Review

Ronald Hanmer
Three Trombone Themes:

Ampleforth, , United Kingdom
Publisher: Emerson Edition LTD
Date of Publication: 1999

Primary Genre: Elementary Material - solo
Secondary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Ronald Hanmer’s Three Trombone Themes represents a fine introduction to a three-movement sonata format for the beginning trombonist. The movements are organized in a traditional fast, slow, fast sequence in the keys of F, B-flat and E-flat major respectively. The first movement is a simple Sonata-Allegro form. The second is a lyrical song form that introduces a modicum of chromaticism and the third is a standard Rondo form. Each movement could easily stand alone if one was looking for a shorter selection. The melodic writing is straightforward and uncluttered, incorporating simple quarter-note rhythms in the outer movements and eighth-note patterns in the second movement. Melodic lines are characterized primarily by step-wise motion and triads. The piano accompaniment is relatively simple as well but uses a thick texture to fill out the sound, giving ample support for the soloist. Overall range is B-flat to e-flat1. Three Trombone Themes seems most appropriate for a second or third year student. The music is available from the publisher and the Theodore Presser Company. Both a bass clef and b-flat treble clef solo part are included. 

There is much to teach the younger player with this piece. Hanmer’s writing brings form, phrase structure, modulations, key relationships and style to the surface, allowing the instructor material to introduce these important aspects of musicality to his or her student. What a pleasure it is to see quality music such as this written for the younger player. 

-Bill Mathis
Bowling Green State University