Sinfonietta

This Sinfonietta for 9 trombones (8 tenor and 1 bass) consists of three contrasting movements which skillfully demonstrate the characteristic of an homogenous trombone ensemble within the context of the inimitable and lively musical language of the composer, Jean-François Michel. The opening movement begins with a calm and soft Andante which gradually progresses in intensity until suddenly shifting into Vivace marcato.The second movement, Andante e poco rubato, is a lyrical song which merges successively with changing rich low harmonies and modalities until fading to a sublime and dramatic end. The last movement, Allegro molto vivo is a diabolical virtual musical race on haunting themes, interrupted by short pauses designed to ensure the race will continue with renewed energies until the very end. The commission of this Sinfonietta by Jean-François Michel for the Swiss trombone ensemble Lucerne Bone Connection (cond. Markus Wuest) has been made possible thanks to the generous assistance of Ursula Jones-Strebi in memoriam Philip Jones (1928-2000), her husband, who was one of the great pioneers of brass chamber music.