COUNTERPLAY

Instrumentation: for trombone & piano

Commissioned by Mark Davidson, principal trombonist for the Utah Symphony, who premiered the work on March 13, 2022 for the NOVA Chamber Music Series.

Counterplay was commissioned in 2021 by Utah Symphony principal trombonist Mark Davidson who also recorded the piece with pianist Viktor Valkov, with whom I have collaborated on several projects. From the outset of this project, I wanted to write a work that capitalized on the versatility of the trombone—that is, to write a work that certainly utilizes the trombone’s remarkable power but a work that also showcases Mark’s beautiful lyrical tone. The more bombastic side of the instrument can be heard in the march-like theme that opens the work and is heard several times throughout, as well as in the loud final section. The lighter inner sections feature more lyrical melodies that allow Mark to sing through his instrument.
The title "counterplay" carries an obvious allusion to the word counterpoint. The two instruments are in constant dialogue throughout the piece, mimicking each other’s gestures, and offering interjections and counterstatements. Even the march is rendered in a kind of misaligned manner, creating a kind of contrapuntal echo effect. I also liked having the word "play" in the title as the march theme and a prominent short descending glissando figure both take on a kind of playful character. (Finally and tangentially, "counterplay" is common word and concept in the game of chess, a game for which both Viktor and I share a love.)


Performance by Mark Davidson and Viktor Valkov: