Morceau Symphonique for Trombone and Piano Composer: Alexandre Guilmant

The Morceau Symphonique is one of the most famous pieces ever composed for trombone. It has been a fixture on recitals ever since its publication in 1902. It was presumably written as a test piece for the Paris Conservatory (although to my surprise a recent poll of the online trombone journal indicated that just over half of 272 respondents have ever played it). It features a wonderfully romantic slow opening movement followed by a brief cadenza that immediately launches into a dramatic ascending scale in the piano that introduces the allegro theme. The first theme makes a brief reappearance in the middle of the allegro and the piece concludes with increasingly animated recapitulations of the allegro theme that build to a dynamic climax. The piece has aged extremely well and while presenting a variety of stylistic challenges, more than compensates the performer with rich musical opportunities and rewards. Guilmant was a French organist, teacher, composer and editor. His own music was greatly influenced by the likes of Liszt, Schumann, Franck and Saint-Saens. It is a shame he didn't compose anything else for the trombone.