About Concerto for Trombone

The Trombone Concerto was written in the summer of 2013
for a joint commission of ten bands. The performance at DePauw
University on October 15, 2013 was the premiere of this work in piano
reduction, performed by James Beckel on trombone and Greg Martin on
piano. The orchestral premiere occurred on April 5th of 2014 with
the Gulf Coast Symphony conducted by John Strickler. The trombone
soloist was Joe Alessi.
This work is less programmatic than most of the composer's
body of work. Although the concerto is based on personal reflections
and introspections throughout this work, the composer, at a more mature
age, is looking for answers to life's questions that most people have
regarding their existence and the meaning of life. With age comes
only the realization that he has more questions than answers to these
great religious and philosophical mysteries. The composer decides in
his own mind that mankind does have free will, but firmly believes that
the consequences of man's free will can also lead to destinies that are
unavoidable.
More program notes can be found below in the documents
section, including co-commissioner participants.
Strings
Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Cello
Bass
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Band Instrumentation
1 Piccolo |
2 BbTrumpets |
2 Flutes |
4 Horns in F |
1 Oboe |
2 Trombones |
English Horn |
Euphonium |
1 Bassoon |
* 2 Tubas |
3 Bb Clarinets |
Timpani |
Bass Clarinet |
* 3 Percussion |
2 Alto Sax |
Optional String Bass |
Tenor Sax |
Optional Harp |
Bari Sax |
Solo Trombone |
* Please note that this work has been orchestrated to
allow the concerto to be performed with one Tuba. As well, one less
percussion can be used when necessary. When using only 2
percussionists they should play from the Percussion 1 & 2 parts and
play all percussion cues. Orchestrationally, the composer recommends
that the brass parts not be doubled. It is preferable to have
the 2nd trombone part played on bass trombone.
View the above link with Adobe Acrobat Reader.

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"Concerto for Trombone" has been published by
Hal Leonard in the trombone solo and piano version. The inventory
number is HL00138277.

The orchestra and band versions may be rented from the
composer. See the contact info page on this website.
Premieres
Piano Version - DePauw University Faculty Recital - October 15,
2013 - James Beckel, soloist
Orchestra Version - Gulf Coast Symphony, John Strickler - April
5, 2014 - Joe Alessi, soloist

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John Strickler, Joe Alessi, James Beckel |
Band Version - Detroit Symphony Civic Winds, Dr. Kenneth
Thompson - April 29, 2014 - Bill Mathis, soloist
Additional Performances
Ensemble |
Date |
Conductor |
Soloist |
Denver Civic Winds |
7/17/14 |
Joseph Martin |
Carl Lenthe |
Bowling Green State
University Wind Ensemble |
10/3/14 |
Kenneth Thompson |
Bill Mathis |
DePauw University
Orchestra |
11/24/14 |
Orcenith Smith |
Jim Beckel |
IU Jacobs School of Music
Wind Ensemble |
11/11/14 |
Stephen Pratt |
Carl Lenthe |
Missouri U. of Science and
Technology Band |
2/22/15 |
Robert Cesario |
3 Army Band
Trombonists |
Butler Wind Ensemble
1st Mvt Only |
2/22/15 |
Mike Colburn |
Jared Rodin |
Metropolitan Wind
Symphony |
3/1/15 |
Lewis Buckley |
Mark Weaver |
Indiana Wind Symphony |
3/23/15 |
Charles Conrad |
Jim Beckel |
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Joe Alessi (Principal Trombonist with the New
York Philharmonic)
"I had the greatest time performing James Beckel's Concerto
for Trombone. Being that it was composed by an accomplished
trombonist, all the passages are written with the instrument in
mind, allowing the trombonist to play with ease. Not only is
this piece fun to play, it exploits the beautiful legato singing
style that all trombonists crave. The piece is a crowd
pleaser and the melodies are memorable. I highly recommend
this wonderful concerto to all trombonists." |
Carl Lenthe (Professor of Trombone at IU Jacobs School of
Music)
"James Beckel's new trombone concerto is a major work of
symphonic dimensions and depth, and showcases the solo trombone
very effectively. I am thrilled and honored to play
it."
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Bill Mathis (Professor of Trombone at Bowling
Green State University)"It was a great pleasure to have the opportunity to give
the first performance of James Beckel's Trombone Concerto with
Wind Band Accompaniment on April 29, 2014 with the Detroit
Symphony Civic Youth Wind Ensemble under the direction of Kenneth
Thompson. Beckel's Concerto is a beautiful, expansive, and
dramatic work. The music lies so well on the horn, it is
obvious that this is a piece written for trombonists by a
trombonist. It is a challenging work, to be sure, but quite
accessible for advanced college students and professional
trombonists." |
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Movement 1 - https://soundcloud.com/jim-beckel/concerto-for-trombone-mvt-1
Movement 2 - https://soundcloud.com/jim-beckel/concerto-for-trombone-mvt-2
Movement 3 - https://soundcloud.com/jim-beckel/concerto-for-trombone-mvt-3
Please be patient. The sound doesn't always start immediately.