Matthew Gee's Amazing Sliding Circus

Glynn, Christopher; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, members; Gee, Matthew

Building on the success of his critically acclaimed debut album Paradiso e inferno, Matthew Gee continues to relinquish trombone playing from its stereotype and illuminate the wider public as to the beauty of this often misunderstood instrument. The trombone's ability to raucously glissando has naturally drawn composers to focus on the instrument's comic potential - its undeniable clownishness. Embracing the complex emotions embodied within the clown identity - the 'tragic clown', smiling on the outside whilst crying within - this concept album brings together works by established masters, new commissions and arrangements which all celebrate the instruments vast range of colours, nuance and beauty, whilst letting its buffoonish stereotype shine through. With this release, Matthew Gee was keen to expand the existing trombone repertoire and identified Rob Keeley, Simon Vincent and Gary Carpenter as composers who would make an important and lasting contribution. "The new works on this disc are beautifully written for the trombone, showcasing every facet and character of the instrument: its ability to blend and nuance, its deftness, dexterity, lyricism, even its ostentatious bombast. The accompanying chamber ensembles create sound-worlds, which in conjunction with those of Berio, Stravinsky and Sondheim celebrate the trombone as a serious and engaging solo instrument." (Matthew Gee) So sit back, relax and let the circus begin.

Price: $27.98