John Frith began composing the Sonata for Bass Trombone and Piano for Stephen Fissel of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra in 2008. Originally it was intended to write only a single movement. When Mr. Fissel requested more, the idea of a three movement Sonata begin to take shape.

In order to create a cohesive piece, Mr. Frith decided to use the opening Trombone figure of F-E-F as the thread to create a thematic unity within the three movement structure.

The Piano introduction to the slow second movement bears this "motto" in reverse (EFE). This is duly adopted by the Trombone and continues to be evident throughout the movement.

The third movement, likewise, uses (EFE) but this time beginning with the Trombone.

The composer remembers describing this movement to Stephen Fissel as a "Manic Waltz," and it does, indeed, reach fever-pitch by the Coda.

The relationship between the two instruments in this Sonata is never that of Soloist and Accompanist. Rather, it is a conversation between two equal players, each in partnership with the composer’s ideas committed to creating something of beauty.

The work is written for very advanced performers and is about 14 minutes in length.

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Original Composition

Frith - Sonata for Bass Trombone and Piano

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