Concerto for Trombone and Wind Ensemble (Maslanka)

From Wind Repertory Project
David Maslanka

David Maslanka


General Info

Year: 2007
Duration: c. 36:00
Difficulty: VI - VII (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Maslanka Press
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $299.00   |   Score and Parts (digital) - $229.00   |   Score Only (print) - $149.00


Movements

1. Requiem - 10:50
2. Beloved - 14:15
3. Be Content, Be Calm - 10:09


Instrumentation

Solo Trombone
Flute I-II-III (I doubling C Piccolo)
Oboe I-II (II doubling English Horn)
Bassoon I-II (II doubling Contrabassoon)
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contra Alto Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone (doubling B-flat Soprano Saxophone)
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II
Trombone
Bass Trombone
Tuba
Double Bass
Piano
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Chimes
  • Crotales
  • Marimba
  • Orchestra Chimes
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal (2)
  • Tam-Tam
  • Temple Blocks
  • Tom-Tom
  • Triangle
  • Vibraphone
  • Wind Chimes, Metal

Violoncello


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Conversations with Gary Green and Tim Conner (the conductor and trombonist who commissioned the music) led to the idea that this concerto should be a “cross-over” piece, one that could be played by either a wind ensemble or a symphony orchestra minus most of the strings. Before I began composing, word came of the untimely death of Christine Nield Capote, wonderful flutist and teacher and long-time friend to Gary, Tim and me. It was only a year ago, in July of 2006, that Gary, Christine, and I worked together at the Interlochen Center for the Arts on a deeply moving performance of my Song Book for Flute and Wind Ensemble. It was one the Christine’s favorite pieces. She had only nine months to live.

It became clear that the Trombone Concerto would be a memorial for Christine. To that end I chose an ensemble or orchestral winds, plus piano, double bass, percussion, and one solo cello, the cello representing her cellist husband, Manny.

It feels presumptuous for me to say anything at all about this music, presumptuous even to have written the piece, trying to embody Christine’s still-living presence, her voice, her feelings, for us who are left behind. Following her death I saw Christine in a meditative vision. She gave me the most brilliant smile of recognition and reassurance. She then turned and walked away. Requiem – beloved – be content, be calm.

Remarks given at the premiere performance October 2007; Miami, Florida


In the words of the Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, “We are life, we are inextinguishable.” The reasons for living or dying, especially dying, and especially when someone close to us passes, are all too often inscrutable. We look for words, for some idea to hang on to, which allow us to reconcile, or at least live with, loss and grief. But words and concepts fail.

Here in South Florida, everything, even new stuff, is continually being eroded by water and heat. Everything is being eaten, transformed, and taken back into the earth. Things are a bit slower in northern climates, but the process remains the same. It is a sharp reminder that there is no permanence: we come into these bodies undergo continuous transformation, and then for our own not-speakable reasons we release this body, we go on.

Music is deeply and powerfully a part of this process. Music is life: music is inextinguishable. Music loosens our separateness, and allows us to open deeply to one another. Music opens us to the energy of love, which makes out lives possible. Music is the breaker of chains, the smasher of the ordinary, and the breaker of hearts. Music breaks our hearts, and through the broken heart we know compassion.

Today is a celebration of the life of Christine Capote and that of her family, and all who are her friends. Six months ago, Christine withdrew from this life, making it necessary for everyone close to her to find more clearly and fully who they are. Things that were stuck are now open and flowing. While the music for this occasion is a trombone concerto, written for Tim Conner and Gary Green, it is Christine’s gift to us, her way of saying “It’s OK, it’s truly and deeply OK,” and to quote her precisely, “Now get on with your life!”

Thanks for your kind attention. I hope you enjoy the music!

- Program Notes from David Maslanka website


Awards

None discovered thus far.


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Northwestern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Michael Mulcahy, trombone; Deanna Talens, cello; Mallory Thompson, conductor) - November, 2009


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources