L.A. Trumpet Works

Lauridsen: Sonata for Trumpet and Piano (published 1973) As a performer on both trumpet and piano it was a natural undertaking for me to compose a Sonata for this combination of instruments. I consider the Sonata my Opus 1, composed while an undergraduate at the University of Southern California School of Music. Also studying at USC at the time as Ronald Romm, who premiered the Sonata in 1965 and later went on to fame as a founding member of the Canadian Brass. Calling for virtuoso playing (especially in the third movement), the Sonata has become a staple in the Twentieth-Century trumpet literature. (Morten Lauridsen) Newman: Kestrel and Leonardo for Trumpet and Viola (1996) 'Kestrel and Leonardo' is based on poems of Canadian poet, Susan Musgrave, and compositionally paints the vivid texts quite literally. The poems speak of two magical children that travel odd and delightful dimensions of the universe, leaving a unique mark wherever they go. Musically speaking, the sonorities point to the fantasy-like nature of the poetry, and though tonal, challenge with form and rhythmic drive. This programmatic set of wordless songs emerges in three contrasting movements, illustrating the utterly diverse natures of the bird-like Kestrel and her strong-willed and sometimes ferocious compatriot, Leonardo. This work was commissioned by and dedicated to Roy Poper and Laura Kuennen-Poper, who gave the first performances in Los Angeles and Germany in 1996. (Maria Newman) Stone: Pastorale (1989) The 'Pastorale' is a simple, lyrical, and beautiful one-movement work based on the hymn tune 'All Creatures of Our God and King.' Consisting of three parts (A-B-A), it is more musically than technically challenging, and very well complements any program by providing contrast to the more athletic trumpet literature. 'Pastorale' was written for my good friend Bill Bing, who in turn introduced me to Dwight. (Roy Poper) Halligan: Meditation (1999) I commissioned this work almost by accident. While working on Halligan's 'Dialogues' I realized that I had room on the CD for an other short work. In discussing my progress on the 'Dialogues' with Dick I mentioned this, and asked if he might be able to write a meditative piece for Bb trumpet. He responded that he'd think about it. This work arrived in the mail one week later, and I found it to be delightful and exactly what I was looking for. The 'Meditation' is beautifully melodic and almost operatic in nature. (Roy Poper) Halligan: Dialogues for Trumpet, Piano and Percussion (1996) I was pleasantly surprised to answer the phone one day and hear Dick Halligan at the other end of the line. We had worked together for over 20 years on many of his projects but had been out of touch for several years. Dick, composer for the band 'Blood, Sweat, and Tears' and many commercial recording projects, told me that he had again returned to writing 'art' music (frankly, I think everything he ever wrote was 'art') and he asked me if I'd like a piece. I was elated at the prospect, and suggested that a valuable addition to the repertoire might be a work for trumpet, piano, and one other instrument. I was also looking for a piece that could 'bridge' the classical and jazz-rock fusion styles. We discussed the work several times, and the result is 'Dialogues.' (Roy Poper) Stevens: Sonata for Trumpet and Piano (1959) The Sonata for Trumpet and Piano is an enduring contribution to the trumpet literature, having become a standard in most serious p