CON CERT REVIEW Dani Howard Trombone Concerto – Peter Moore/RLPO BY TOM BERRY
On 17 June I was lucky enough to be one of the few to attend the premiere of Dani Howard's new Trombone Concerto, commissioned by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO) for Peter Moore. Alongside this wonderful new commission, the RLPO, with new Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan, also played Stravinsky’s Octet, Ravel's Le Tombeau de Couperin and Prokoviev's Symphony No. 1, the ‘Classical’. Dani Howard’s Concerto for Trombone is in three movements, Realisation, Rumination, and Illumination. Throughout the Concerto the orchestra plays a huge role, most definitely as a partner to the soloist rather than as an accompanist. In Realisation we hear the solo trombone playing almost sporadically throughout the movement to suggest they are completely unaware of their surroundings, as if it was the start to the day. The second movement, Rumination, starts with a long trombone cadenza, another fine example of the orchestra partnering with the soloist. Towards the end of the cadenza the soloist is joined by Principal Trombone, Sub Principal Trombone, then Tuba, Horns and Trumpets; this creates a marvellous soundscape in which you feel immersed. The third movement is a complete tour de force. Titled Illumination, we hear this in abundance, pure light, joy and excitement. It was great to hear the expansive range of the trombone featured alongside the technical capabilities. From start to finish, Peter's energy, musicianship and virtuosity shone through.
18 CREDIT: PRS FOR MUSIC.
