Sonata for Trombone and Piano by Allen Molineux is the first one the composer has written in over 30 years. Recently he has been exploring a number of traditional forms.

So it should come as no surprise that the first movement of this work is in sonata form. There are three themes presented (the second one features the trombone muted) for the exposition. All material is then developed and a recapitulation of all three themes occurs to finish it.

The second movement is quite desolate in tone and nearly monothematic in nature. It's designed to slowly push towards its one and only climax before abruptly returning to the opening's hollowness.

The final movement is a true contrast to the previous movements in that it leans towards being frivolous without going over the edge. The composer likens this cheeky finale with the design of Dimitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 6. For it too is serious in tone until its last movement, which takes on a burlesque quality. What keeps this movement’s attitude in check is that all the themes from the first movement make brief appearances.

The work of about 15 minutes in length is suitable for advanced performers.

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Molineux

Molineux - Sonata for Trombone and Piano

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