Trombone Concerto (Sparke)

From Wind Repertory Project
Philip Sparke

Philip Sparke


General Info

Year: 2007
Duration: c. 25:30
Difficulty: VI (solo), V (ensemble) (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Anglo Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - €410.00   |   Score Only (print) - €32.50


Movements

1. Allegro - 9:45
2. Agitato - 8:55
3. Sambezi – 6:30


Instrumentation

Full Score
Solo Trombone
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe
English Horn
Bassoon I-II
Contrabassoon/ B-flat Contrabass Clarinet
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Glockenspiel
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Triangle
  • Tubular Bells
  • Wood Block
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

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.

- Program Note from publisher


Commercial Discography


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources