Sigma Alpha Iota

PAN PIPES • SPRING 2018 • sai-national.org 28 REVIEWS BREAKING GROUND: A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN COMPOSERS Works: Mutter, Giffles, Mills, Bernofsky, Gates Natalie Mannix, trombone; Stephanie Bruning; piano; Tony Baker, Steven Menard, Christopher Sharpe, trombone MSR Classics N atalie Mannix, principal trombone of the Delaware Symphony and assistant Professor of trombone at the University of North Texas, has assembled a fine collection of trombone works for her new CD, Breaking Ground: A Celebration of Women Composers. In addition to all pieces being composed by women, the CD with one exception, contains works that were composed within the last ten years. The result is an excellent collection of contemporary trombone music. The first piece, Susan Mutter's Ages for Trombone and Piano, musically describes "how a man relates to the world around him so differently at various ages in his life." The five- movement work leads us from the graceful charm of a six year old's lilting asymmetric meter (Six), through a teenager's brash, headstrong declaration (15) and more sedate, repetitive movements (34 and 66) only to return to a more nostalgic statement of the original theme (92) bringing a life, and the piece full circle. Mannix performs with an easy facility in her upper range, strong rhythmic pulse, and an ease of manner throughout. Amy Riebs Mills' Red Dragonfly-Sonata for Trombone and Piano opening movement begins with with a bold, triumphant opening that flows into a lovely, lyrical second section. The second movement features the haunting Japanese folk melody Red Dragonfly and contains beautiful playing by both the trombone and piano. The last movement is a fun opening with a clear Western flavor followed by increased chromaticism, and use of extended techniques throughout the rest of the work concluding with a return of the theme from the first movement. Compared with the rest of the work the movement, particularly the cadenza, seems somewhat out of place but it is still delightful writing. The final piece of the CD, Dorothy Gates' Shaken, Not Stirred for Trombone Quartet is more reminiscent of the Volga Boatmen melody rather than James Bond theme that the title invokes. However, it is clearly an original work with jazz harmonies and strong swing feel. The tight ensemble and great intonation make this well worth listening to. Through these and the other works on the CD, Mannix displays an easy facility in the high register, skilled technique, and a solid rhythmic drive. On the other hand, the lower and pedal registers could use greater control and extended phrases (i.e. Bernofsky's Two Latin Dances, mvt II) need further direction through the line. Overall, all the pieces on this disc would make a great addition to any trombone recital and are enjoyable listening for any brass player. Robert Bruns is a Bandmaster in the United States Army and an SAI Friend of the Arts. He received his Bachelor and Master in Music Education degrees at Ithaca College. LONG ROLL-A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL MANION (1952-2012) University of Illinois Percussion Ensemble- William Moersch, director Gregory Beyer, malletKAT Albany Records Troy T his audio disc includes several short early works written for percussion ensemble including: the 2 nd movement from Symphony No. 1 in E major by Alexander Tcherepnin (1927); Ritmica No.5 & No. 6 by Amadeo Roldἀn (1930); Ostinato Pianissimo by Henry Cowell (1934); and a 'percussion only' interlude from the opera The Nose by Dmitri Shostakovich (1928). An early work highlight of this CD is the inclusion of Double Music by John Cage and Lou Harrison (1941) with parts 1 and 3 composed by Cage and parts 2 and 4 composed by Lou Harrison. Double Music makes innovative use of found objects and rhythmic development. Composer Stephen Lett's Junta (2009) is derived from an algorithmic system of composition that creates a variety of colorful textures for non-pitched percussion instruments. The work alternates between a sense of timeless calm versus war-like chaos. The featured title work, Long Roll II (2006) written by Michael Manion for percussion quartet, is a unique exploration of various layers, styles, velocities, and dynamics of percussion rolls. Learning to roll is one of most significant parts of the percussionists' technique, and is needed to create a quasi-sustained sound. The final work, Maniondala (2009) written by Robert Fleisher is approximately of 22 minutes duration. The work features the malletKAT, an electronic midi percussion instrument performed by outstanding soloist Greg Beyer. According to the composer this work "is a 7 part rondo with introduction, coda and closing solo". It is dedicated to Michael Manion with quoted passages from his composition Long Roll as accompanied by electronic sounds created in the University of Illinois Electronic Studios. The University of Illinois Percussion Ensemble is an outstanding instrumental group that performs with superb control, musicality, ensemble precision, and a variety of color. Congratulations to their director William Moersch who has selected literature of both historical and lasting artistic value. Robert McCormick is a Professor of Music (Percussion) at the University of South Florida and an SAI National Arts Associate, initiated by the Delta Chi Chapter. " "

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