Philip Nell

Variations for Four Trombones

Variations for Four Trombones was originally written for my colleagues in the Scottish Ballet Orchestra Trombone section to give them something other than ballet music to play! I wanted to write something that was challenging and fun, but accessible too. Unbeknownst to me, the Bass Trombone player, Derek Bishop, entered it for the British Trombone Society composers competition a few years ago with a surprise result for me! 1st movement - Intrada An opening fanfare moves with inflections of jazz rhythms leads to a fast variation of the opening. A slow passage for 3 players grows into a loud finish. A fast bridge section leads back to the opening fanfare. 2nd movement - In Memoriam An 8-bar cycle of chords with 3 players having a solo over the pattern then all three solos combine together before a last quiet cycle with a final resolution chord. 3rd movement - Improvisations A swing piece which I hope is fun to play! Then a change of style into a funk section with reminders of the opening fanfare in the 1st movement. Philip Nell