Nightmare Fantasy for Trombone Choir and Percussion

[jvalentino]

This recording has a bit of an interesting story behind it.

It was written for 4 tenor trombones, two bass trombones, timpani, tubular bells, and vibraphone.

I wrote this piece while I was still in college as part of composition lessons with the intention of having it played by the trombone choir and some assorted percussionists.

Needless to say things didn't quite work out, so I resorted to recording one part a time and mixing them together using the MIDI recording as a reference. The recording room wasn't big enough to bring in any of the percussion instruments so I left their MIDI in. I recorded 5 of the trombone parts myself and got a friend of mine who was a tuba player to play the sixth part on tuba.

[MaestroX]

I must say that this is one of the best brass piece I have ever heard. You've used a unique range of forces and pulled off a very effective recording.

Writing is very effective and balanced and the overall sound I really liked.

Very Iimpressive thanks for sharing

[crimson]

Very intriguing piece. It reminded me of the music of Jacques Cousteau documentaries. This was an unusual listening experience for me. I liked some of the rhythms, like in the beginning where the timpani talks with the brass and also later in the piece. I find the name fitting. The mood is nightmarish and dreamlike in a way. A little unsettling maybe but it works nevertheless

[jvalentino]

Thanks MaestroX and Crimson.

Next time I will put up a disclaimer warning that my work is slightly disturbed.

I would also like to get this piece performed live one day, but I have always had trouble with getting performers to all show up at the same place at the same time.

[reith]

Originally Posted by jvalentino

but I have always had trouble with getting performers to all show up at the same place at the same time.

Hah! You aren't alone.

I thought it an excellent piece. Its 'weirdness' was well in my capture range. In its quieter chordal moments it made me think of what I'd expect if I bought a CD of Bill Russo's compositions. But it goes quite beyond that.

Great!
reith

[Boneman]

Great music from a fellow bone player!
For me I would have liked to have heard a bit more development of the trombone lines, too much percussion!!
You have a great sound and you got it tight!

[some guy]

Funny. I quite liked this, too, but found the title very puzzling. Then I read the posts, in which everyone, composer included, found it apt.

Anyway, don't cut any of the percussion. I think you've got that balance just right. (In fact, come to think of it, it's this sense of balance--of every element carefully balanced with every other element--that was making me think the title inapt. I guess my idea of nightmare includes the notion of imbalance. As for "disturbed" or "weird".... In this lovely and elegant little piece? Hmmm.)