| This recent composition by Ken Davies
is a welcome addition to the brass quartet literature. The work develops
a number of ideas to create moving "sound blocks and contours," as well
as timbral variety. These ideas include glissando gestures, note repetition,
dynamic manipulation, and a number of tricky but playable muted sections.
Mutes required include straight, cup and plunger. A marvelous effect is
the contrasting timbres created during the independently muted sections.
The color of one trumpet and trombone with straight mute while the other
trumpet and trombone use cup mute is particularly effective.
During the note repetition sections,
superior ensemble work is required to match parts both dynamically and
rhythmically. In one instance, the note repetition involves measured tremolos,
and on a second instance, coordination of the plunger mute between the
two trumpets and tenor trombone is required.
Each quartet member must have excellent
independent rhythm and time to perform the work successfully. In many instances,
each part has awkward rhythmic figures that abruptly resolve on a unison
rhythmic figure. Although challenging, the effect is excellent.
The trumpet and tenor trombone parts
do not have taxing ranges; the bass trombone does extend to f-sharp. The
parts are easy to read, and the helpful cues will save time in rehearsal.
This seven-minute work is well crafted and will keep the attention of the
listener and the players. The rehearsal time required is a good investment.
...Reviewed by Edward Bach,
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
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