Review

Tovy Meshulam
Dror:

, United States
Publisher: myomtov@bezeqint.net
Date of Publication: 2006
URL: http://myomtov@bezeqint.net

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - unaccompanied

Tovy Meshulam composed Dror for his son Ido, bass trombonist in the Israeli Young Philharmonic Orchestra. A known trombonist himself, Meshulam has produced three compact discs of his compositions for jazz ensembles and for trombone quartet.

Dror means "Freedom" in Hebrew; it is an atonal miniature in three short movements. The first movement is played in a rubato style and introduces a four note motive that can be heard throughout the piece. It starts in a low register and goes higher and higher towards the end of the movement. The second movement is slow and lyrical and can be played on tenor trombone without F attachment. The third movement sums up the first two in a kind of a scherzando style. Built in ABA form, it is the most demanding of the three to play and reflects the main motives from previous movements. The composition can be part of any recital since it is not tiring, comfortable to play and hear.

It can be played successfully on tenor trombone with F attachment or tuba. Range extends from C to f-sharp1. Dror is available at no cost from the composer.

-Micha Davis
Israel Philharmonic Orchestra