International Trombone Association Journal (ITA) -January Issue 2010:

 

Karl Hinterbichler at the ITA Journal writes:

"Triple Falling: Concerto for Trombone Solo and String Orchestra.  Stockholm, Sweden: Swedish Music Information Centre, 2008.  Playing time 13:00.  Score and parts.

Triple Falling was commissioned by the Arctic Trombone and Low Brass Festival and premiered by trombonist Jörgen van Rijen in Tromsø, Norway  on October 10, 2008." (and Tromsø Symphony orchestra -my comment)

"Aside from the program, ( for my program note se below, -my comment) this concerto is unique in that it is not your typical trombone solo with orchestral accompaniment.  The trombone is an equal partner with the string section; the latter does not merely accompany the soloist.  You need an excellent string orchestra, a virtuoso soloist and more than the usual number of concerto rehearsals to do justice to this work. The many string divisi parts require good players in all the chairs, not just the principals. The trombone part is difficult, but not impossible, covering a wide tonal, dynamic and expressive range.  Although unique, the composer’s interesting musical language has elements of Bartok, Berg, late Stravinsky, Messiaen and Penderecki.  This is serious, intense, expressive and expertly crafted music."

 

Karl Hinterbichler   
University of New Mexico   

 

Program note: Triple falling
Life can be a series of trips and falls. We may feel like the detective Clouseau when we trip, tumble and fall all around in our existence, surrounded by mental sidewalks high as blocks. We may encounter love that turns into dust, friends that fail to meet our expectations and ambitions that are in vain. But the worst thing that may strike us is probably to be cast aside.  My little trombone concerto was inspired by the thought of these ”fallings” and every movement has a theme of its own: In love, to fall for the evil Mr. Polonium, and to fall into oblivion - in the sense of being forgotten or even worse being excluded.  I won’t state that the music expresses these feelings.  It is more a question of gaining energy from the thought of life being a huge rollercoaster, with lots of ups and downs. In this concerto it always ends with a down.  The three movements are titled; -In Love, -for Mr Polonium, -Into Oblivion.