Continental Concerto for Bass Trombone and Band

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Continental Concerto for Bass Trombone and Band was composed in 2017 for band at the request of several friends of mine that play bass trombone in four different continents. For this reason “Continental Concerto” was chosen for the title. Although trombones have been used for over five hundred years, it has been only the last 60 years that the bass trombone has been thought of as a solo instrument. Much of the popularity grew during the 1960s and 70s from George Roberts known as “Mr. Bass Trombone”. He played in bass trombone in studio sessions in Los Angeles for films and TV. As I discussed this composition with Javi, Gabe and Antonio Damien, they all requested that this concerto be dedicated to George Roberts. Because of this dedication, I have included a few jazz elements in the piece. I would also like to dedicate this composition to my good friend Thomas Everett, Retired Professor at Harvard who was also a pioneer to commission many new works for bass trombone.The first movement of the concerto has a strong rhythmic first theme and a melodic second theme played over a latin jazz rhythms and harmonies. The second movement presents a melodic love song. The last movement is based on a rhythmic melody similar to “1970s studio music” that George Roberts played. Instrumentation is: Piccolo, 2 Flutes 2 Oboes, English Horn, 2 Bassoons, Eb Clarinet (Optional), 3 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, 2 Alto Saxophones, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, 3 Trumpets, 4 Horns, 2 Trombones, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Timpani, Double Bass, Solo Bass Trombone, Percussion (4 players – snare drum, bass drum, suspended cymbal, crash cymbals, conga drums (2), Indian djembe drum, finger cymbals, maracas, cabasa, drum set, orchestra bells, vibraphone, xylophone)