Gordon Cherry has been running Cherry Classics for over 20 years. He is a leading professional Trombonist in North America, having performed as Principal Trombonist of the Vancouver Symphony, and the CBC Radio Orchestra. As well, Gordon has taught hundreds of Brass students for over 30 years at the University of British Columbia and many international leading music festivals.Details
Christopher Schmitz has written a new major work, Bass Trombone Concerto (with Orchestra), subtitled 'Call of the Opera'. The work is dedicated to Metropolitan Opera Bass Trombonist and virtuoso Denson Paul Pollard.
The 16-minute work is in three movements: I. Allegro, II. Arioso, III. Vivace
Here is a brief description of the work by the composer:
Written for Denson Paul Pollard, Call of the Opera is a challenging three-movement concerto inspired by great melodies from the opera repertoire. Throughout the work, original themes interact with references to over a dozen well-known opera melodies; these references are (mostly) subtle, but an attentive listener may notice flashes of Wagner, Verdi, Puccini, Bizet, R. Strauss, and others.
Listen to an awesome live performance of the cousin of this work, Sonata for Trombone by Denson Paul Pollard, Bass Trombone and Kimberly Carballo, Piano on YouTube®.
Call of the Opera is also available in its original format, Sonata for Bass Trombone and Piano here. The Sonata (with piano accompaniment) may be used in the preparation for the Concerto or in recital.
Instrumentation for the Concerto is for 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, 2 Bassoons, 2 Horns, 2 Trumpets, Timpani, Percussion, and Strings.
The version for sale with the 11"x17" tabloid-sized score also comes with a set of 4 of all the string parts.
Below is a recording of a live performance of the Schmitz Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra performed beautifully by Chance Gompert and the Indiana University Orchestra conducted by Chelsea Tipton III.