Opposing Royalties - Trombone Octet and 2 Bass Soloists (For B. Hecht and M. Schippers)
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$40.00
$40.00
per item
Opposing Royalties is a new style of conceptual piece written for two bass trombone soloists, each with an accompanying trombone quartet. This piece includes dramatic visual effects achieved by movement from the ensemble that emphasizes the expressions portrayed in the work. Though segmented in three large parts, Opposing Royalties presents many interpretations of conflict, as may be presented in a game of chess.
The piece opens with a vibrant introductory fanfare from the two trombone quartets, standing in a singular line, fully united without any clear leadership. Interrupting the fanfare, two leaders emerge as soloists and pressure the ensemble players to choose a side, as the soloists are featured in a virtuosic cadenza ending in striking harmonies and exciting resolution.
The ensemble members, now divided, play music invoking a battle or argument as the two soloists lead their ensemble against the other. During the battle, the soloists are captured by the opposing ensemble and play soaring, reflective melodies that demonstrate the musicality of the soloists. The ensemble also joins in the reflection, with melancholy passages where the ensemble plays facing backstage. This reflection is short-lived, as the two sides decide a stalemate is not viable and exchange their captors to return to the fight through an energetic march/funk groove. Soloists perform impressive passages across the stage as the music climaxes into the third movement.
The final movement moves in progression as a re-visitation of familiar melodic material from the first two movements, as the soloists and ensemble struggle with conflict resolution. The final minute of the piece features both soloists performing together with the ensemble as a full 10 piece group, providing a glorious finale to the work.
Scores are provided for ensembles to rehearse without choreography and to perform with choreography, as well as detailed descriptions of movements and clear labels for stands to make the rehearsal process go very smoothly and easily. This piece can also be played without the choreography if need be, as the music tells the story on its own.
The piece opens with a vibrant introductory fanfare from the two trombone quartets, standing in a singular line, fully united without any clear leadership. Interrupting the fanfare, two leaders emerge as soloists and pressure the ensemble players to choose a side, as the soloists are featured in a virtuosic cadenza ending in striking harmonies and exciting resolution.
The ensemble members, now divided, play music invoking a battle or argument as the two soloists lead their ensemble against the other. During the battle, the soloists are captured by the opposing ensemble and play soaring, reflective melodies that demonstrate the musicality of the soloists. The ensemble also joins in the reflection, with melancholy passages where the ensemble plays facing backstage. This reflection is short-lived, as the two sides decide a stalemate is not viable and exchange their captors to return to the fight through an energetic march/funk groove. Soloists perform impressive passages across the stage as the music climaxes into the third movement.
The final movement moves in progression as a re-visitation of familiar melodic material from the first two movements, as the soloists and ensemble struggle with conflict resolution. The final minute of the piece features both soloists performing together with the ensemble as a full 10 piece group, providing a glorious finale to the work.
Scores are provided for ensembles to rehearse without choreography and to perform with choreography, as well as detailed descriptions of movements and clear labels for stands to make the rehearsal process go very smoothly and easily. This piece can also be played without the choreography if need be, as the music tells the story on its own.