Concerto for Trombone (Allegro Giusto)
Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra (1966) — The premier modern solo audition piece combining Italian operatic cantabile with sparkling neoclassical virtuosity.
Click any notehead on the staff to hear pitch and inspect slide position
Alternate Slide Positions & Legato Route Strategy
Utilize 1st and 3rd positions extensively for high C4/E4/G4 runs to keep slide travel under 15 cm.
Orchestral Audition Jury Checklist
Verify each criterion during slow practice before bringing the excerpt up to concert tempo:
Historical Context & Performance Tradition
Written by film music maestro Nino Rota (composer of The Godfather), this concerto highlights the lyrical voice of the trombone as a romantic protagonist.
Recommended Bore, Bell & Mouthpiece Setup
Yamaha YSL-882O or Shires Custom Tenor with Griego or Bach 5G mouthpiece.
Orchestral Audition & Slide Kinematics Matrix
Measure-by-measure jury evaluation points, alternate slide routes, and conservatory audition benchmarks.
| Section & Measures | Clef & Pitch Range | Audition Jury Evaluation Focus | Alternate Slide & Acoustic Strategy | Orchestral Audition Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Movement I: Allegro giusto (Excerpts mm. 1–32) | Tenor Clef · C3 – Bb4 | Cinematic witty staccato. Tongue stroke must be needle-sharp with lightning wrist precision. | Play chromatic sixteenth passages strictly in positions 1, 2, and 3 where possible. | Italian and European contemporary audition standard. |
| Movement II: Lento ben ritmato (Cantabile mm. 45–70) | Tenor Clef · E2 – A4 | Belcanto operatic expressiveness with subtle jaw vibrato (5–6 Hz). Zero slide dragging sound. | Use 5th position for high C#4 for an intimate vocal nuance. | International Trombone Association Solo Competitions. |