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Literature

20 Pieces in Changing Meters: A Review

By Donn Schaefer • May 30, 2002
20 Pieces in Changing Meters for Unaccompanied Trombone is a collection of etudes written for students in the 11th-12th grades or first year of college.

50 Etudes for Bass Trombone & Tenor Trombone with F Attachment: A Review

By Peter Fielding • August 20, 2021
This is an excellent edition, demonstrating a labor of dedication, sharing both Randall Hawes' professional orchestral and teaching career while expanding access to Boris Grigoriev's etudes for a broader range of bass and tenor trombonists alike.

A Witch's Spell and Animado: A Review

By David Vining • September 07, 2001
These two unaccompanied offerings from Warwick Music were composed for the Repton Brass Festival 2001 and represent two distinct compositional styles. As always, Warwick's spiral bound editions are beautifully presented and strikingly attractive.

Ancient Memory for Solo Bass Trombone: A Review

By Peter Fielding • December 05, 2021
Ying-Chen Kao's Ancient Memory is an unaccompanied trombone solo incorporating Northeast Asian vocal and instrumental folk influences to expand contemporary trombone soundscape and techniques.

Arban Complete Method for Trombone and Euphonium: A Review

By John Seidel • May 09, 2001
In this new edition, published by Encore Music, the comments of Messrs. Alessi and Bowman are presented unencumbered by pre-existing editorial material. Both of these gentlemen bring impeccable credentials to the task, and their comments provide wonderful insights into each of their individual approaches to musical and technical matters.

Cadenza for David's Concertino by Werner Michel: A Review

By Walter Barrett • May 30, 2002
Werner Michel's Cadenza is a worthy addition for anyone performing the Concertino. If anyone is interested in making up their own cadenza (for any concerto), it will also serve as a fine example of how it should be done.

Cantare: A Review

By David Vining • May 28, 2003
This composition lasts about 4 minutes and is composed in ABA form.

Cereal Bars for Solo Bass Trombone: A Review and Analytic Sampling

By Peter Fielding • September 24, 2021
Dan Jenkins' Cereal Bars is an appealing unaccompanied bass trombone solo employing serial compositional technique with a contemporary flair.

Choral, Cadence et Fugato by Henri Dutellieux: A Review

By David Vining • February 10, 2003
Composed for the French pedagogue Andre LaFosse, Choral, Cadence et Fugato has appeared on required lists for various solo competitions over the years but has not found its way into the mainstream of trombone recital programming. It is a well crafted virtuosic piece from the French repertoire deserving of more attention from trombonists looking for something substantial to include on a recital.

Circuit Training: A Review

By David Wilken • September 01, 1997
A review of Peter Gane's method for young trombonists; published by Warwick Music.

Classical FlexQuartets for Bass Clef Instruments: A Review

By Tom Lukowicz • October 19, 2021
These arrangements would be great for a younger chamber ensemble concert or sight-reading during a high school trombone quartet rehearsal.

Complete Vocalises for Trombone: A Review

By Michael Dease • September 23, 2021
It is worth the price of the book to read Mulcahy's persuasive insights to evergreen performance topics such as legato playing, interpretation, and ornamentation.

Concertino in F for Bass Trombone and Piano by Ernst-Thilo Kalke: A Review

By Dennis Clason • June 03, 2002
This work is suited to a good college player, or perhaps a very mature high school bass trombonist. It represents a welcome addition to the solo repertoire for the bass trombone.

Concerto for Trombone by James A. Beckel Jr.: A Review

By Peter Fielding • December 14, 2020
This work is an appealing and welcome addition to the solo trombone literature, appropriate for recital and featured solo with large ensemble alike.

Connecting the Dots: The Warmup Guide for the 21st-Century Versatile Trombonist

By Dean Olah • December 13, 2023
Connecting the Dots: The Warmup Guide for the 21st-Century Versatile Trombonist authored by Altin Sencalar, is a thorough and informative resource that aims to revolutionize trombone teaching for learners in the modern era.

Dental Suite: A Review

By Peter Fielding • June 15, 2022
These etudes are of value for those seeking repertoire for the developing musician that differs from introductory overtone, flexibility, and slide position technical exercises ubiquitous of trombonist-authored treatises

Domine, Salva Nos: A Review

By Jim Sparrow • April 14, 2005
Robert Holland gives us a fresh stylistic challenge in his setting of Domine, Salva Nos. This wonderful work is a representation of imitative techniques used by composers of the period. This is an outstanding vehicle to develop nuances of articulation, balance, blend, and dynamics.


Duo for Trombone and Harp by Braxton Blake: A Review

By Walter Barrett • June 18, 2002
Performers and audiences will find Duo for Trombone and Harp, by Braxton Blake, to be both familiar and challenging, and a satisfying exploration of some of the sounds available to this combination of instruments.

Easy Jazzy Etudes: A Review

By Craig Brenan • August 08, 2001
Mark Nightengale expands his pedagogical publications with this book of jazz etudes for the younger trombonist.

Effective Etudes for Jazz: A Review

By Kyle Larson • May 20, 2023
This book consists of eighteen jazz etudes written in styles ranging from blues shuffle to rock. It aims to help the learner gain knowledge and experience in improvising and playing with swing articulations.

Eight Preludes, Op. 34: A Review

By Richard Human, Jr. • January 01, 1998
Without the knowledge that they were originally composed as piano preludes, a close look at these eight short pieces would suggest that they could have originally been written as trombone duets. This is due to the fact that excellent compositions "work" as music in almost any setting; and that Douglas Yeo, bass trombonist of the Boston Symphony, has chosen from the original twenty-four preludes very well.

Freedom Variations for Brass Quintet: A Review

By Ben Bruflat • April 11, 2022
For a strong ensemble that is up to the challenge and seeking new repertoire to add to their library, Alyssa Reit's brass quintet is a worthy addition and one that will hopefully excite future audiences the way it has excited this reviewer

Georg Kopprasch 45 Selected Studies for Alto Trombone: A Review

By Peter Fielding • February 20, 2021
Crees and Rae have crafted a fine edition for the alto trombonist. Published by Brass Wind Publications, this carefully curated collection of 45 etudes embody its core pedagogical values. Far from a simple reengraving into alto clef, some etudes have been transposed and fit quite comfortably on the alto trombone.

Grand Chorus in Dialogue and Praise to the Lord, the Almighty: A Review

By Richard Human, Jr. • September 01, 1998
Arranged for ten-part trombone choir, both of these arrangements by Gary Bricault provide the ensemble and conductor with a number of musical challenges that once met will yield to a satisfying musical experience.

Harlequin for Bass Trombone and Piano: A Review

By Brad Edwards • May 30, 2002
Considering the complexities of this work and Lipkis' own allusions to programmatic content, the fact that Warwick hasn't bothered to include explanatory notes is inexcusable. If you are in the mood for a real challenge, this work will offer plenty of them, both technically and musically.

Home Cookin' Fer Young 'Uns: A Review

By Peter Madsen • September 26, 2004
Willey does an excellent job of incorporating idiomatic jazz rhythms in a way that is attainable by "young 'uns." The rhythms, although not extremely complex, represent common syncopations found in standard jazz music that are sure to challenge the young student without being overwhelming in difficulty. The duets could be a lesson assignment for a young high school student, or appropriate sight reading material for advanced high school students or early college students.

Introductory Studies in Tenor & Alto Clef for Trombone "Before Blazhevich": A Review

By Andrew Glendening • March 18, 2003
Introductory Studies in Tenor & Alto Clef for Trombone "Before Blazhevich" by Brad Edwards is intended to bridge the gap in the clef study literature between the overly simplistic and the overly difficult and to provide an improved introductory experience to the second section of the Blazhevich Clef Studies.

Jazz Improv Materials Handbook Complete: A Review

By Michael Dease • January 30, 2008
Rich Willey utilizes his considerable experience asa performer, composer and pedagogue to craft the Jazz Improv Materials Handbook, one of the more practical jazz methods in publication.

Joy, Tears & Luck and An Bord!: A Review

By Bjorn Swanson • January 10, 2022
Finding chamber music suitable for developing trombonists can pose a difficult challenge. Fortunately, two recent publications from Musikverlag Uetz Music, a quartet by Ernst-Thilo Kalke and a trio arranged by Eric Kania, have made this search a little easier.

Ku-Umba: A Review

By Jeff Albert • September 02, 2003
T.E. Priemon is an artist. He uses photographic techniques to interpret musical performances through a concept he has named photonality. His most recent book is entitled "Ku-Umba," and trombonist Ku-Umba Frank Lacy serves as both the inspiration and visual focus of this particular collection of art.

Learning to Play pBone: A Review

By Dean Olah • August 31, 2022
Establishing a solid foundation is essential to success in skill development, especially when a child begins a possible life-long musical quest to learn a brass instrument. The pBone company and Chris Fower continue to impress with wonderful resources to supplement their fine line of fun instruments.

Looking for the Natural Way: A Review

By David Vining • April 08, 2002
This is a valuable and entertaining book which should be added to all serious brass musicians' "required reading" list.

Mastering the Trombone: A Review

By John Seidel • March 01, 1998
I have always regarded Ed Kleinhammer's book, The Art of Trombone Playing , as an indispensable text for the aspiring trombonist. I credit many of the thoughts and exercises that may be gleaned from this excellent guide with contributing in no small way to my own development as a performer and teacher.

Melody in A Major: A Review

By David Vining • May 28, 2003
This wistful melody was originally written for violin and found its way into the repertoire of none other than Fritz Kreisler. The tune is a simple ABA form in slow 6/8 time with an eighth note pulse throughout and is 41 measures long.

Modern Guide for Trombonists and Other Musicians by Richard Begel: A Review

By Douglas Yeo • March 25, 2003
"A Modern Guide for Trombonists and Other Musicians" continues in the rich tradition exemplified by Kleinhammer's "The Art of Trombone Playing." This is not a method book or collection of etudes, rather the reader is pulled into Begel's own rich experience as a student of the trombone for a sensible, focused and useful journey through the main influences in his own musical pilgrimage.

Multiplicity & 20 Jazz Etudes: A Review

By Tom Brantley • September 01, 1997
Mark Nightingale, the reknowned jazz trombonist from England, has written two jazz etude books, with accompanying CDs, for tenor trombone. The first, Twenty Jazz Etudes for Tenor Trombone, appeared in 1995 from Warwick Music. The second, Multiplicity, was released in 1996 by the same publisher.

Music for Trombone and Loop Pedal by John Sipher: A Review

By Ben Bruflat • October 01, 2021
In a world of excess, it is difficult to stand out in the crowd, but John Sipher manages to do so with this collection of solos for trombone and loop pedal.

Musical Impromtu by Vladislav Blazhevich: A Review

By David Vining • August 25, 2004
Musical Impromtu, by Vladislav Blazhevich, is a short work scored for 12 trombones. This piece is in Blazhevich's typical style of composition and its melodies could easily have come from the Clef Studies. It is charming and clever in that it offers a great deal of musical variety in a very short time span.

Musikverlag Bruno Uetz Music for Brass: A Review

By Ben Bruflat • August 11, 2021
Finding a variety of chamber ensemble repertoire can be difficult for brass players who aren't in a quintet. Thanks to Musikverlag Uetz Music, there are now several new options available depending on your group's makeup and ability

Novita: A Review

By Brad Edwards • August 10, 2022
"Novita" ("girlfriend" in Spanish) is a pleasant bossa nova that could serve as an interlude or encore piece in a recital program. A pianist with some jazz experience would be a good choice but not a necessary one.

Panis Angelicus: A Review

By Brad Edwards • April 08, 2002
This work is a useful, practical addition to the trombone choir folder which can be used to feature a younger soloist.

Perceptions and El Torro: Two Reviews

By Gordon Bowie • January 01, 1900
During the last quarter-century the available literature for Bass Trombone has increased dramatically both in quantity and quality as the instrument has become more widely recognized for its unique qualities and abilities. These two works are examples of that trend. Both of these works are for unaccompanied Bass Trombone.


Pioneers in Brass CD-ROM: A Review

By Dean Olah • October 24, 2001
Pioneers in Brass, first published in 1965, is a collection of profiles and photographs of the prominent brass players of the early 20th century. Previously released in three print editions, it is now available on a CD-ROM format that includes original recordings.

Prelude and Fugue in D Minor (BWV 554) for Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble: A Review

By Mark Mordue • November 15, 1999
This arrangement of Bach's Prelude and Fugue (BWV 554) works surprisingly well for Tuba - Euphonium octet.

Reel Technique: A Review

By David Vining • March 11, 2002
A thoughtful approach will be needed to preserve the integrity of the original tunes within the context of a reasonable tempo and good musicianship.

Riffs & Dances: A Review

By Brad Edwards • September 17, 2003
This is a moderately challenging, through-composed piece for unaccompanied trombone ranging from pedal B-flat to high D-flat (the F-attachment range isn't used, though).

Rochut for Two by Art Lieby: A Review

By Robert Holland • May 31, 2002
Art Leiby has taken Tom Ervin's lead and supplied a second volume of counterparts to the Bordogni vocalises, most widely known in the edition prepared by Johannes Rochut and published by Carl Fischer.

Sonata for Bass Trombone and Piano by Timothy Bowers: A Review

By Tom Lukowicz • May 05, 2022
Timothy Bower's Sonata for Bass Trombone and Piano brings a new flavor into the bass trombone repertoire. Each movement contains unique ensemble challenges that, when executed correctly, can make the piece come to life and provide the listeners with an intriguing fifteen-minute performance.

Sonata for Trombone by Derek Bourgeois: A Review

By David Vining • March 11, 2002
This is an epic work, spanning three octaves and lasting some twenty minutes with many changes in mood and style.

Study Materials for the Alto Trombone (Études pour le Trombone Alto): A Review

By Peter Fielding • October 12, 2021
Benny Sluchin's Alto Trombone Tutor is an impressively curated collection of etudes, duets, and solo materials that will serve both developing and seasoned alto trombonists and tenor trombonists alike.

The American Trombone: A Review

By Dean Olah • January 06, 2002
The charter of his book is to produce a total trombone technique that works equally well in American idioms such as Jazz, Pop and the various Afro-Cuban styles, as well as the more traditional Western European orchestral situations.

The Bordogni Vocalises by David Schwartz: A Review

By Kedrik Merwin • April 19, 2002
This new publication reasserts Bordogni's original numbering, tempos, and keys. However, Schwartz has taken great pains to help trombonists familiar with Rochut's version to understand the original system.

The One Hundred: Essential Works for the Symphonic Bass Trombonist: A Review

By Donn Schaefer • September 06, 2021
"Why another orchestral excerpt book?" The answer is that Douglas Yeo has provided an outstanding resource for the trombone community. Serious students and teachers will enjoy using this book as they "leave no stone unturned in their preparation."

The One Hundred: Essential Works for the Symphonic Tenor Trombonist: A Review

By Peter Fielding • May 06, 2022
This is an excellent collection of over 300 orchestral excerpts spanning 100 compositions, including some hard-to-obtain non-public domain repertoire.

Thomas Morley's De Profundis Clamavi, transcribed by Robert Holland: A Review

By Brad Howland • January 17, 2003
With such a large pool of Morley's music to draw upon: why haven't we arranged more of it? De Profundis Clamavi appears to be an attempt to change this situation. It's not one of the madrigals, but an example of Morley's liturgical music, a Latin motet.

Tipbooks: A Review

By Dean Olah • September 23, 2003
The intended audience for the Tipbook Trumpet & Trombone is students, their parents and amateur musicians. However, there is such vast information and details covered in this slim 132 page book that trombone or trumpet players of any level would enjoy reading it.

Top Brass by Bob Bernotas: A Review

By Michael Brown • June 01, 2002
For readers interested in the lives, philosophies, and idiosyncrasies of famous jazz brass players, this book will bring a great deal of pleasure and information.

Trombone Concerto by Paul Harris: A Review

By Dean Olah • October 11, 2022
Paul Harris has developed an international reputation as one of the top music educators and composers in the UK. Overall, he has provided a challenging yet pleasing concerto in three movements that will fit nicely in any recital setting. The movements can be performed stand-alone or as a full work.

Trombone Concerto by Todd Goodman: A Review

By Peter Fielding • May 13, 2021
Winner of the British Trombone Society's 2011-2012 Concerto Composition Competition, Dr. Todd Goodman's Trombone Concerto serves as a fine contribution to advanced contemporary solo trombone repertoire.

Trombone Essentials: A Review

By David Wilken • March 01, 2000
Trombone Essentials, 11 Recital and Contest Solos for Tenor and Bass Trombone, edited by Douglas Yeo, is a well put together collection of new solos specifically arranged for the intermediate trombonist.

Trombone Journey by Jan Reinhelt: A Review

By Gabriel Langfur • October 19, 2002
I very much enjoyed reading through these duets with another professional player while on a break in a rehearsal, and I wouldn't hesitate to use them as a teaching tool with an advanced middle school student, or to assign a set of them to a pair of high school students to perform on a recital.

Trombone Unlimited: A Review

By Mike Lomas • February 26, 2022
This is a significant achievement. Indeed, Megumi Kanda has produced a major addition to our repertoire, and I would recommend it to any serious teacher or player of our instrument.

TUNEUP Intonation Training System: A Review

By Richard Human, Jr. • September 20, 2001
The philosophy behind Stephen Colley's TUNEUP intonation training system is to develop an aural "bootcamp" to help the musician develop improved intonation free of the visual crutch of a chromatic tuner.

Twentieth-Century Brass Soloists: A Review

By Michael Brown • November 01, 1997
The lives of composers and conductors are carefully documented with historical research and pianists, violinists, and vocalists have their share of musicological research. Michael Meckna has done extensive study into the lives, recordings, and legacy of 100 significant brass performers of this century. He contributes a balanced list of orchestra, recital, and jazz performers with an appropriate balance of high and low brass performers.