Gordon Cherry has been running Cherry Classics for over 20 years. He is a leading professional Trombonist in North America, having performed as Principal Trombonist of the Vancouver Symphony, and the CBC Radio Orchestra. As well, Gordon has taught hundreds of Brass students for over 30 years at the University of British Columbia and many international leading music festivals.Details
The Concerto Grosso for Three Trombones and Orchestra, by Lyndol Mitchell was composed in 1961 as part of his Doctoral dissertation at the Eastman School of Music. It was first performed in with piano accompaniment in 1963 at a memorial concert for the composer after his untimely death. The performers were six students of Emory Remington, including Ralph Sauer and Don King.
The full orchestral work was first performed by the Oklahoma City Symphony on April 21, 1963 conducted by Guy Fraser Harrison.
The work is is subtitled in stile Barocco and is in three movements. Movement I. begins with an somber introductory Adagio followed by an Allegro in the style of a Bach Fugue led by the three soloists. Movement II.A slow and serious Larghetto in C minor. Movement III. is a Presto in D minor in a Toccata style, full of many mixed meter bars that add small rhythmic surprises along the way. The thirteen minute work is appropriate for advanced performers.
The hand copied score and parts for Concerto Grosso were "rediscovered" in the Sibley Library at the Eastman School of Music by Jeremy Kempton who then engraved and proofed them.
