Review

Jim Theobald
Rock of Ages: from “Five Jewish Songs of Joy”
12 trombones

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Publisher: Wehr's Music House
Date of Publication: 2001
URL: http://www.wehrs-music-house.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 9+ trombones (choir)

The most interesting aspect of Rock of Ages is the timbre resulting from Jim Theobald’s orchestration. The twelve parts are divided into three groups of four “small tenors,” “symphony tenors” and “bass trombones.” Though some voices overlap from group to group, the sound created by this type of division is unique and attractive. Conceivably, though, “symphonic tenors” could be used all the way up to the first part, which never goes higher than g1, and down to the eighth or ninth part. The piece itself consists of a chorale melody in four bar phrases that make up an AABCC form. The chorale is played three times while the accompanying parts develop interesting counterpoint. The arrangement is rhythmically simple but contains plenty of composite rhythms. In the key of G major, this tonal arrangement challenges the ensemble to make the counterpoint continuous and balanced and shows off mature sound and intonation. Theobald was smart to score Rock of Ages in G major. Any lower and the lower parts would be muddy; any higher and it might prohibit an inexperienced choir from achieving success. The melody is almost always doubled for clarity and all of parts are written in bass clef. On the surface it seems that Rock of Ages is best suited for a young trombone choir because of its simplicity. However, the bass parts require a great deal of trigger work with many C’s and D’s. This piece works for any situation if your ensemble has three or four bass trombones. 
 
-Casey Thomas
Saint Ambrose University