Discovering Two New Solo Works for Trombone: A History, Summary, and Preparation of Frank Gulino’s Sonata No. 1: The Journey, and Joseph Buono’s Elegy for Trombone and Piano

Abstract

This paper will serve as a guide to musicians for the preparation and performance of two recent solo compositions for trombone worthy of study and performance: Frank Gulino’s Sonata No. 1: The Journey (2019) and Joseph Buono’s Elegy for Trombone and Piano (2016). Included will be sections or chapters on the history and background of each work, biographical information about each composer, a detailed performer’s analysis of each work, exclusive interviews with the composers, and interviews with the trombonists who commissioned and/or premiered each work. Each individual interview will provide insight into the music, including information on personal inspirations and compositional processes, a focus on emotional content, thematic elements, and recommendations on preparing each piece. Recital programming suggestions have also been included. The pieces examined warrant serious study and performance, and this paper will inform future preparations of these two works