Melodrama

Randall Hawes (bass trombone), Kathryn Goodson (piano)

Catalog #: TROY0549
Release Date: January 1, 2003
Format: Digital
Instrumental

The bass trombone came into prominence as a solo instrument in the mid to late 20th century, and is essentially a larger version of the tenor trombone. Until recently, it has been relegated mostly to supporting orchestral roles, doubling the bass or choral lines with an occasional turn in the spotlight. Higher quality instruments and new types of valves led to an environment for better players, and in turn, have inspired more composers to write for the bass trombone as a true solo voice. The trombone slide is a device found on no other instrument. The slide offers both a hindrance and an advantage; awkward and slippery, it can be difficult to maneuver. However, because of the fluid characteristics of the slide, a trombonist can at a moment's notice, imitate any number of machines and wild animals, or sing the most beautiful songs with vocal expression. Berlioz expressed the characteristics of the trombone best in his treatise on orchestration: "In my opinion, the trombone is the true head of the family of wind instruments, which I have named the "epic" one. It possesses nobility and grandeur to the highest degree; it has all the serious and powerful tones of sublime musical poetry, from religious, calm and imposing accents, to savage orgiastic outbursts. Directed by the will of the master, the trombones can chant like a choir of priests, threaten, utter gloomy sighs, a mournful lament, or a bright hymn of glory; they can break forth into awe inspiring cries and awaken the dead or doom the living with their fearful voices."

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Track Listing

Title Composer Performer
Melodrama (from Snow Maiden, op. 12) Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky Randall Hawes, bass trombone, Kathryn Goodson, piano
Arioso of King René (from Iolanta, op. 69) Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky Randall Hawes, bass trombone, Kathryn Goodson, piano
None but the weary heart, op. 6., no. 6 Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky Randall Hawes, bass trombone, Kathryn Goodson, piano
Melorama (from Snow Maiden) Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky Randall Hawes, bass trombone, Kathryn Goodson, piano
Concert Allegro Alexy Lebedev Randall Hawes, bass trombone, Kathryn Goodson, piano
Concerto No. 2 Alexy Lebedev Randall Hawes, bass trombone, Kathryn Goodson, piano
Concerto in one movement Alexy Lebedev Randall Hawes, bass trombone, Kathryn Goodson, piano
Four Songs Nicolai Rimski-Korsakov Randall Hawes, bass trombone, Kathryn Goodson, piano
Four Preludes from Op. 34 (No. 10, 15, 16, 24) Dmitri Shostakovich Randall Hawes, bass trombone, Kathryn Goodson, piano
Sonnet 66 from op. 62 Dmitri Shostakovich Randall Hawes, bass trombone, Kathryn Goodson, piano
All once I gladly owned, op. 26, no. 2 Serge Rachmaninoff Randall Hawes, bass trombone, Kathryn Goodson, piano
Lied Serge Rachmaninoff Randall Hawes, bass trombone, Kathryn Goodson, piano
In the silence of the secret night, op. 4, no. 3 Serge Rachmaninoff Randall Hawes, bass trombone, Kathryn Goodson, piano
Five Melodies, op. 35b Serge Prokofiev Randall Hawes, bass trombone, Kathryn Goodson, piano
Serenade from Dances of Death Modest Mussorgsky Randall Hawes, bass trombone, Kathryn Goodson, piano

Reviews

  • "This fascinating survey of Russian music shines a spotlight on [Randy Hawes'] gifts -- a sound as rich and dark as espresso..."

    – Detroit Free Press

*Album cover provided for Editorial use only. ©Albany Records. The Albany Imprint is a registered trademark of PARMA Recordings LLC. The views and opinions expressed in this media are those of the artist and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views and opinions held by PARMA Recordings LLC and its label imprints, subsidiaries, and affiliates.