Trombone favorites on Widener’s program
Trombonist Russ Widener will perform a Faculty Artist Recital at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 12, in Wiedemann Recital Hall.
He will be accompanied by pianist Sherry Freund.
"Cavatine" by Camille Saint-Saens will open the program. Saint-Saens was one of the few well-known composers to write for the trombone. The lovely melodies and wonderful piano accompaniment make this piece one of the trombone world’s favorites, according to Widener.
Another French work, "La Femme a Barbe" (The Bearded Lady), is a contemporary work but is also based on colorful melody and conventional harmony. Quotes from opera literature add to the sparkle of the work.
Eugen Reiche was a trombone virtuoso in the Royal Russian Court Orchestra in St. Petersburg during the latter half of the 19th century, but he composed his Concerto No. 2 in A Major for German Paul Weschke. From 1895 to 1929 Weschke was solo trombonist of the Royal Orchestra in Berlin (Staatskapelle Berlin in the Staastsoper Unter-den-Linden). The concerto is an extremely technical work, with string-like arpeggios and large leaps. The second movement is often performed alone because of its melodic content.
Jean-Michel Defaÿ composed his "Deux Danses" (Two Dances) as a flashy, jazz-like work. The first movement, "Danse Sacrée," is in a jazz ballad style with very high, lilting melody and wide range in cadenzas. The second movement, "Danse Profane," is in the style of a samba and also stays in the very high register.
The final work on the program is one of the best known trombone solos for performers and concert goers – Arthur Pryor’s "Blue Bells of Scotland." It is known for its pretty melody, which has three variations. The cadenzas and lightning-fast closing variation make for an exciting conclusion for the recital.
Widener is in his 20th year as trombone professor at WSU and principal trombonist with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra.
Call 978-3233 for reserved tickets. Prices are $4 with discounts available.
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