New from Warwick Music

Warwick Music has kindly given The Trombonist access to its extensive catalogue of newly-published works, from which we will be highlighting a selection across the 2023 editions of the magazine. Don’t forget BTS members receive a 10% discount on direct purchases from the Warwick Music!

Chick Herman’s Hanukkah Songs and Folk Songs for Trombone Quartet is a collection of 11 well-known Jewish songs presented in relatively straightforward arrangements, perfect to add variety and contrast to a recital or just to enjoy in the rehearsal room. Trombone 1 enjoys most of the melodic material with the other parts fulfilling an accompanying role interrupted by the occasional moment of melodic interest. While this style of arranging does facilitate performance by a quartet of mixed ability (Trombone 3 rarely ventures beyond the stave while Trombone 1 requires a player with a range up to high D5 and the stamina to remain in the high register for extend periods), in reality I imagine the tenor trombone parts will be shared around. Much of the bass trombone part is playable on tenor if necessary and is ideal material for a player transitioning to bass to develop facility in the mid to low register, without making excessive technical demands.

One Small Flight in a Hot Air Balloon for Solo Trombone by Peter Stones ‘is designed to mimic a short journey in a hot air balloon, from the industrious yet grand take off through the serene flight to the thud back to earth.’

Each section of the piece is built upon the repetition and development of relatively simple motifs, which fit very comfortably on the slide, and explores a variety of a different timbres, guided by descriptions such as ‘Uplifting and Emphatic’ or ‘Distorted’. The composer states ‘No performer should aim to replicate another, preferably they should put their own style into the timbre choice. This could be performed by the soloist changing the sound using an electronic sound effects pedal or…adding a mute for non-electric effects. Creative choices of timbre are encouraged, and it should reflect each individual's different journey aboard the hot air balloon.’

One Small Flight in a Hot Air Balloon is an ideal introduction to contemporary ideas of performance practice, encouraging the performer to think about the act of performance and make creative decisions beyond those usually required, whilst remaining technically accessible for most players. My only real criticism, and an admittedly minor one at that, is the inclusion of several low Eb’s which, while compositionally necessary, precludes performance on an instrument without an F attachment.

In Martin Yates’ Skirmish for Trombone Octet the performers are grouped antiphonally in two choirs of four: given the title I was perhaps expecting more of a ‘battle’ between the two choirs but instead they are used to create a stereo effect, panning material from one side to another in an exchange of ideas. The opening and closing sections are firmly rooted in a straight-ahead 4/4 Rock style, with the central 6/8 section having more of a Folk Rock feel. Ranges are modest, accommodating a range of abilities: most of the tenor trombone parts sit below E4, with only Trombone 1, Choir 1 required to ascend to high C5. Similarly, the bass trombone parts descend only to low D2, and are more than playable on any instrument with an F attachment, tenor or bass. A great piece for a massed blow! ◆