Bass Trombone Concerto

Written in 2006 for Roger Argente, Gareth Wood brings his considerable experience of writing for brass, and brass bands in particular, to an instrument not often blessed with opportunities for solo exposure. It is scored for soloist accompanied by traditional brass band line-up, including timpani and two percussion, and follows the standard three-movement pattern. In the first movement, the soloist launches straight into the musical argument with a low-lying repeated quaver figure punctuated by the band. A lyrical second subject in the high register is also entrusted to the soloist, and the movement comes to a thrilling conclusion. The slow movement opens softly with the percussion, and a mournful bass line sets the mood for a thoughtful long melody. It reaches a powerful climax, which subsides to a return of the opening mood. In the march-like finale, the soloist is pitted against a number of solo instruments from the band and a driving ostinato carries the momentum through to the blazing ending.

Gareth Wood was born in Cilfynydd, South Wales in 1950. He has written many works for orchestra, wind band and brass band and is currently composer in residence with the Cory Band. Cory has recorded many of his works including Actaeon, A Tear in the Fabric of Time and Brass Triumphant. He recently wrote a fanfare for the Duke of York’s 50th birthday, which was performed at Buckingham Palace and wrote the fanfare for the State opening of the Welsh Parliament in 2011. He also works closely with the Royal Academy of Music Harp Ensemble and has written many works for multiple harps. A concerto for harp and brass band was written for Catrin Finch and the National Youth Band of Wales. There is also a version for harp and symphonic brass. For many years Gareth was a double bass player in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, also serving as Chairman and writing several orchestral and brass ensemble works for the orchestra.

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