Concerto - Trombone and Piano

Also available for trombone and concert band (44010749) Philip Sparke's Trombone Concerto was written for Olaf Ott, principal trombonist with the Berlin Philharmonic. The concerto is in traditional three-movement form and the whole work could be seen as a dramatic soliloquy for the soloist, who starts in earnest and agitated mood but, as the concerto progresses, is able to take a more optimistic tone before ending the work with what could be called a symphonic samba. Movement 1 begins darkly until the solo part introduces a more positive theme - only to be overruled by a faster, troubled accompaniment; the movement closes over a sombre drum ostinato. Movement 2 opens with a heartfelt plea in the accompaniment that is echoed by the soloist, who then plays a simple chorale melody introducing a delicate central section. A chant-like tune leads to a joyous climax, heralding a return of the opening material. Movement 3 casts all troubles aside in a joyful samba - a jazz-influenced central tune explores the higher ranges of the trombone before the samba rhythms set up a contest between trombone and piano. The soloist is the eventual winner (of course) and celebrates by reintroducing the samba melody before bringing the work to a virtuosic close.