Jeanette Velasco, Bass Trombone
Michael Schneider, Piano
Performed on May 9, 2024 at the TCU College of Fine Arts
Sheet music available at: https://www.iandeterling.com/bass-trombone-concerto-no-1-in-dminor
Program Notes:
Movement I. Moderato con il peso
- All three movements of Quest are musically quite dark. The opening movement is rather barbaric; an unforgiving musical depiction of a seemingly unstoppable monolith.
Movement II. Andante con moto
- The second movement fades in from nothing. This perpetually churning ‘inner turmoil’ motif that is used throughout this movement is an elaboration of some ideas from the first movement. After reprising the opening, this lament fades into the void.
Movement III. Con moto
- The finale is a tour de force. Many of the melodies are light in nature, but still exist under a darkened shroud. Constructed out of various polyrhythms, the motifs and accompaniment material builds and builds to the dramatic ending.