Composer

:

Frank Martin

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1941

First Performance

:

Jan 26, 1942

Average_duration

:

8:20

Frank Martin's Ballade for trombone or tenor saxophone and small orchestra is a composition that was written in 1940. The piece was premiered in 1941 in Basel, Switzerland, with the composer himself conducting the Basel Chamber Orchestra. The Ballade is a single-movement work that lasts approximately 10 minutes. The Ballade is characterized by its lyrical and expressive melodies, which are contrasted with more virtuosic and rhythmic sections. The piece begins with a slow and melancholic introduction, featuring a solo trombone or tenor saxophone accompanied by the orchestra. This section sets the mood for the entire piece, which is characterized by a sense of longing and nostalgia. The middle section of the Ballade is more lively and rhythmic, featuring a faster tempo and more complex rhythms. This section showcases the technical abilities of the soloist, who is required to play fast and intricate passages. The orchestra provides a lively accompaniment, with the strings and woodwinds playing syncopated rhythms. The final section of the Ballade returns to the slower and more lyrical mood of the opening. The soloist plays a beautiful and expressive melody, accompanied by the orchestra. The piece ends with a quiet and introspective coda, bringing the work to a peaceful and contemplative close. Overall, the Ballade for trombone or tenor saxophone and small orchestra is a beautiful and expressive work that showcases the talents of both the soloist and the orchestra. The piece is characterized by its lyrical melodies, virtuosic passages, and contrasting moods, making it a popular choice for both performers and audiences alike.

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