B&B
While my first five Concert Etudes were written mainly with a pedagogical goal and aimed at the developing trombonist, Etudes No. 6 & 7 are unapologetically vehicles for the advanced instrumentalist’s virtuosity. Composed for the ARD International Music Competition, the contrast between the etudes reflects two sets of priorities generally associated with the two musical poles between which most trombonists position themselves: Firstly, the classical genre, with its emphasis on timbre and intonation, and secondly jazz, focusing on pitch and rhythm. In both etudes, I have left a good deal of dynamic and tempo nuances open to the performer, providing an opportunity for spontaneity and individuality. In No. 6 – Six introverted verses, with the tempo marking “langsam – as Alban Berg once said”, the descending melodic material is interspersed with an ascending glissando spanning the extremes of the trombone range. The No. 7 – Five extroverted choruses, marked “as fast as possible – quasi bebop with grit and groove” pushes the player not only to the extremes of agility, precision, and articulation, but also lung capacity. These etudes are dedicated to the many trombonists, who balance the athletic “higher, faster, louder” physicality of brass playing with musicianship full of subtlety, depth, and reflection. I wish to provide them with material to which they may apply their virtuosity and connect with their audience in a very individual way.
These two etudes could be played in the published order, separately, or in combination with other Concert Etudes to make a set
Mike Svoboda, in May 2020