Four Quartets for Four Trombones (Sets I and II)
for trombone quartet or 4-part choir
The first set of Four Quartets for Four Trombones was one of my first compositions, written in 2007. As a trombonist, I thought it was a great way to learn how to write by creating something I could play with my friends. In 2010, I decided to revisit the pieces, which were written in a time when I had not embraced 20th and 21st century music and techniques. Instead of disposing of the pieces, or radically changing them, I decided to write a sort of sequel to them. Set II tries show my progression as a composer, keeping traditional ideas of form, and chord progression, yet incorporating more modern harmonies. Some listeners comment that the harmonies sound like they are influenced by jazz. While jazz music was not a conscious influence to the piece, appreciation for the genre certainly could have influenced my harmonic choices.