Christopher Coleman
Fantasy (1976, revised 1987)
duration ca. 6:00
Instrumentation
for trombone quartet and tuba
A series of continuous variations, the Fantasy begins with a simple thematic statement that is first developed contrapuntally over hocket and ostinato passages at a brisk tempo, alternating in character between humorous and dramatic. The tempo then slows and the theme is developed lyrically, with both imitative and chordal statements at various times. A concluding faster passage interrupts the middle section; this final passage features a 7/8 version of the theme over a challenging ostinato in the tuba. The coda slows the tempo to a grandioso ending. This piece is stylistically influenced by the music of Bartok and Prokofiev.
Fantasy was premiered by Myron Medlin, Thomas Cooper, Christopher Coleman, David Harrison, trombones, Dennis Morris, tuba on November 19, 1977 at The University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.
Technical notes:
Difficulty: medium college
Range: High--trombone 1, C an octave above middle C; trombone 2, A above middle C; low--trombone 4, C two octaves below middle C; tuba, A two octaves and a third below middle C.
No extended or unusual techniques required. Trombones 2, 3, and 4 need cup mutes.