Events and their horizons

four movements for trombone quartet
Length: ca. 16'
Instrumentation: 3 tenor trombones; 1 bass trombone
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Program Note
Events and their horizons was commissioned by Dr. John N. Landis II for the NOVUS Trombone Quartet in 2013. The atmospheric first movement opens with sustained drones, which blossom into melodic material and, eventually, a short chorale. The brisk second movement immediately follows the first, and features curt melodic fragments tossed around the ensemble. The chorale-like third movement is contemplative in character and features long, winding melodies. The final movement ties the entire work together, drawing various elements from the previous movements. Like the first movement, the final movement opens with sustained tones, but sharp attacks give the texture a very different character. Rapid repeating notes and melodic fragments recall the frantic mood of the second movement, and the eventual re-emergence of the original chorale from the first movement gives the work a sense of closure and contributes to its overall cohesion.
Premiere
Commissioned by Dr. John N. Landis II for the NOVUS Trombone Quartet; premiered in 2013.
Recording