TROMBONE CONCERTO TODD GOODMAN for
trombone and piano
Winner of the 2012 British Trombone Society Composition Competition ©2010 Wrong Note Media, Inc. COMMISSIONED BY KEVIN MCMANUS
©2010 Wrong Note Media, Inc.
Second Edition Printing: 2023
979-0-800218-10-1
TROMBONE CONCERTO
TODD GOODMAN for trombone and piano
Winner of the 2012
British Trombone Society Composition Competition
Total Duration | Durée totale | Gesamtdauer
17’00
This work may not be reproduced or transmitted in whole or in part by any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
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PROGRAM NOTES
TROMBONE CONCERTO
Todd Goodman’s Trombone Concerto was written in 2010 for Kevin McManus and named winner of the 2011-12 British Trombone Society Concerto Composition Competition. The work, in three movements, explores the wide range and the many beautiful aspects of the trombone and its timbre. The trombone, whose ancestor was the first instrument to be allowed to perform in the Mass of the early church, has such a remarkable singing quality that it was my intent for this work to be an aria for the instrument. To contrast that however, it was also the brass family that often led armies into battle, due to their fierce and noble sound and powerful quality, so it was also my intent to showcase the trombone’s power, but yet also its tenderness and warmth. Therefore, each movement focuses on the juxtaposition of many very specific qualities of the trombone, either through technique of the instrument, aesthetic elements of the style of the music, or compositional technique.
MOVEMENT ONE is the juxtaposition of interplay between two contrasting motives. The first of which is a majestic aria and is sung by the trombone at the opening of the work. This melodic idea, which reoccurs numerous times throughout the entire piece, is supported by a progression of simple chordal motion in the accompaniment. As the aria closes, the second motive, which is a fast, energy-filled dance, develops between the soloist and the accompaniment. Throughout its evolution, the movement ebbs and changes within the context of each of these ideas—the aria becomes aggressive and the dance subtle.
MOVEMENT TWO is yet another juxtaposition between two contrasting elements—rhythm and pulse. Set in a traditional rounded-ternary form (A-B-A1), the elements of this movement that give it life are the lack of a perceived constant pulse, combined with that of an almost heartbeat-like pulse. The opening section is a vibrant set of two chords and three descending parallel fifths that repeat throughout the A sections, however written within constantly changing rhythmic values. As this gesture unfolds, the trombone provides a counter-melody; although the two ideas quickly mold into an organic unit. The middle part, or B section, of this movement is the total opposite of the opening and closing ideas, set on a strict pulse and providing for the soloist a heartbeat with which to sing another melodic aria. This pulse ends with a return to the opening arrhythmic section.
MOVEMENT THREE (played attacca from the second) opens with a brilliant eruption of energy in the piano and is the last of the set of juxtapositions. This movement is set around the development of three tonal centers simultaneously—the trombone, the right hand, and the left hand of the piano, all of which cross paths many times throughout the movement. However, unlike the other movements, this movement is mono-thematic and its development comes from the two distinct ways in which the piano’s opening gesture is changed. At the highly energetic close of the work, the piece’s opening first movement aria is reintroduced and the piano and the trombone climb to the work’s end.
The Trombone Concerto is included in a series of concerti by Todd Goodman, including works for Tuba, Alto Saxophone, Piccolo, and Bass Clarinet. This edition of Todd Goodman’s Trombone Concerto is edited by trombonist Kevin McManus and pianist Tom Glovier.
For more music, please visit www.WrongNoteMedia.com
ABOUT THE COMPOSER
as of Fall 2023
TODD GOODMAN is a prominent figure in the contemporary classical music scene, pushing the boundaries of the genre with his unique style and vision. His music is performed and recorded around the globe by musicians of all levels—including, world-renowned soloists, top-tier professional ensembles, academic ensembles, and learners of all ages. Goodman has been the recipient of numerous awards, grants, commissions, and honors from organizations such as the American Prize, the British Trombone Society, the International Tuba Euphonium Association, the National Endowment for the Arts, New Music America, and many others. As an advocate for arts education, Goodman has served for over two decades in various compositional and educational residencies with orchestras, opera companies, performing arts centers, and academic institutions around the United States, and was a nominee for the very first Educator of the Year Grammy™ Award.
Recordings of Goodman’s music can be found on Wrong Note Media, Potenza, Hello Stage, Arts Laureate, Duquesne University Press, Bridge, and Push Records. Goodman holds degrees from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Duquesne University, and Kent State University, and has studied at l’École Normale de Musique in Paris, France, and the Aspen Music Festival in Aspen, Colorado. He currently resides outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
More information about Todd Goodman can be found at www.WrongNoteMedia.com.
FOR KEVIN
thank you for pushing me to write this!
“If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.” - KEN ROBINSON
trombone
Written for Kevin McManus
Trombone
Movement Two
Brilliant, yet mysterious (q = 104)
54 With Apprehensive Optimism
CHAMBER MUSIC
Dear Tomorrow (7’) - euphonium and piano WNM42101
MORE BRASS MUSIC FROM TODD GOODMAN
all available through www.WrongNoteMedia.com
Departure (7’) - trombone (horn or euphonium), tuba (trombone), violin, viola, and piano WNM41901
Sonata for Solo Bass Trombone (6’) - solo bass trombone WNM49702
Wanderlust (6’) - horn (euphonium), tuba, and piano WNM41701
CONCERTI
Trombone Concerto No. 2 (18’) - trombone and accompaniment piano WNM21701red orchestra WNM21701orch wind ensemble WNM21701
Tuba Concerto (18’) - tuba and accompaniment piano WNM11201red orchestra WNM11201 wind ensemble WNM11201we
Tuba Concerto No. 2 “This Too Shall Pass” (18’) - tuba and accompaniment piano WNM12201red orchestra WNM12201 wind ensemble WNM12201we
Victoriam (18’) - concerto for horn, tuba, and piano orchestra WNM12302 wind ensemble WNM12302we
