CONCERT REVIEW: PETER MOORE PREMIÈRES

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.

BRACE YOURSELF FOR BRASS, AVAILABLE FROM FOXYDOTSMUSIC.CO.UK (*NEW* 10% DISCOUNT AT FOR BTS MEMBERS AT FOXYDOTSMUSIC.CO.UK)

CREDIT KAUPO KIKKAS.

This concert had a fantastic atmosphere from start to finish with an engaging and well thought out programme. Dani Howard's Concerto not only fitted this programme amazingly well but was a highlight, especially when listening to the charismatic, beautiful, and electrifying playing from Peter Moore. The Concerto itself was so refreshing to hear after over a year of silence in concert halls. The sound world created from start to finish was something we rarely hear within a trombone concerto. The piece encapsulates exactly what we want to hear from brass playing and Peter in particular. We were lucky enough to hear seemingly effortless yet incredibly intricate and demanding playing in both the outer movements and beautiful melodic playing in the inner movement, here demonstrating one of Peter's most outstanding attributes, the ability to make us listen to everything he plays without demanding it. Dani managed to create a sense of ‘one’ between soloist and orchestra, using both perfectly to create a sense of dialogue between the two. Beautiful colours were passed from soloist to orchestra throughout and made it a wonderful piece to listen to. This piece I feel is a fantastic new addition to the trombone’s (somewhat lacking) repertoire list. In Peter Moore’s own words:

‘I’m still in disbelief that this project went ahead; the logistics were so challenging. Dani and I managed a few Zoom sessions but were unable to meet up in person until a few weeks before the performance. The première was postponed not once, but twice, and due to restrictions, orchestration size was fluctuating by the day. I also had to combat a severe case of lockdown chops!

Despite everything, we are delighted with how everything turned out. Dani has written a wonderful concerto I already can’t wait to play again. Her sound world is completely captivating and her understanding of texture and orchestration, exceptional.

It was a joy to collaborate with Domingo Hindoyan and the RLPO, who were on fine form throughout. Above all else, I’m so grateful to the Orchestra for commissioning a new trombone concerto’.

Although this performance is no longer available on demand a taster can be found on the RLPO’s YOUTUBE channel. ◆