T-Bone Concerto
Johan de MEIJ (b.1953)
The
T-bone Concerto is my very first composition for solo instrument and
symphonic band. It consists of three movements called respectively ‘Rare’,
‘Medium’ and ‘Well Done’. This work was commissioned by
The Kentucky Music Educator Association (KMEA) and was written between August
1995 and January 1996. The first movement was performed at the annual KMEA-conference
in Louisville, Kentucky (February 1996), Jeffrey Thomas being the soloist. The
world premiere of the complete work was performed by Jacques Mauger and the Band
of the Royal Dutch Marines, conducted by Maurice Hamers, at the Concertgebouw
Amsterdam on March 1st 1996.
In
addition to the solo trombone, an important role has been allotted to a chamber
music ensemble within the band. Every so often this group introduces new
thematic material and accompanies the soloist, thus creating a nice transparent
accompaniment. The ensemble consists of a double wind quintet (2 flutes, 2
oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 french horns and 2 bassoons) plus an english horn and a
double bass. Part I and II are written in the A-B-A form and allow the soloist
to display both the technical and the lyrical characteristics of the instrument.
Part III at first develops into a kind of neo-baroque style using the thematic
material of the first and second movement, and finally leads to a triumphant
finale and a virtuoso conclusion.
Johan de Meij – Amsterdam, February 1996