Review

Vladislav Blazhevich
Suite No. 1:

Ithaca, NY, United States
Publisher: Briar Music Press
Date of Publication: 2004

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 3 trombones

This piece has been known in the U.S. as 1st Suite for Three Trombones. N.p.: Crown Music Press, ca.1975. This edition is permanently out of print and is unauthorized, as were all editions of Blazhevich’s music in the U.S. until recently. The meter of the first movement is 10/4 and is strident to be sure, marked Allegro. The second movement, marked Lento fantastico, is only 14 measures long but expresses a great deal in those bars. The third movement is marked Allegro for four bars, then Moderato. It has some glissando work and is less strident than movement one. But the constant sixteenth note rhythm in all parts drives the piece forward to the end. The fourth movement, Buffonescamente, is loaded with glissandi, many ending on notes in seventh position. The parts are in alto, tenor and bass clefs respectively. An additional first trombone part in tenor clef is also provided. The Suite has been around for a long time and is fun to play. It takes a mature trio to make it sound well. There are no range problems; presentation is excellent.

-Mike Halverson
Minneapolis, MN