Faculty recital Feb. 8 features works for trombone and tuba

BOONE—Classical and contemporary compositions will be performed by trombonist Drew C. Leslie and tuba player Bernard H. Flythe during a faculty recital Feb. 8 at Appalachian State University.

The free recital begins at 2 p.m. in Broyhill Music Center’s Rosen Concert Hall.

Leslie is an assistant professor and Flythe is a visiting faculty member in the Hayes School of Music. They will be accompanied by pianists Aaron Ames, Junie Cho and Bair Shagdaron.

The program opens with the allegro moderator movement from J.S. Bach’s “Sonata in E-flat Major for Flute and Piano, BWV 1031” performed by Flythe and Shagdaron.

“Performing the music of Bach on the tuba is not as unfamiliar as one might think. Bach’s music is accessible on any instrument; however, audiences may not hear it performed on tuba as much as the other instruments due to its technical demands with regards to phrasing and breathing,” Flythe said. “I worked on Bach cello suites in college and performed some of his works on recitals. I wanted to perform the E-flat sonata because it is one of my favorite pieces and wanted to push myself musically and technically.”

Blythe also said, “My other selections on the recital are specifically written for tuba; I think it is very important as a university tuba and euphonium professor to help showcase the great music written for tuba.”

“Aura for Trombone and Piano” by Anthony DiLorenzo will be performed by Leslie and Shagdaron. The composition showcases the trombone. “‘Aura’ is a solo for trombone with piano that features a beautiful melody in the trombone that floats over lush harmonies in the piano,” Leslie said. “DiLorenzo is an Emmy Award winning composer who currently writes music for movies and television as well as pieces for symphony orchestras and chamber groups,” he added.

Flythe next will perform “Serenade No. 12 for Solo Tuba, Op. 88” by Vincent Persichetti.

Also on the program is “Partita for Solo Trombone” by William Presser performed by Leslie, “Concerto for Tuba and Piano” by Bruce Broughton performed by Flythe and Ames, and “Sonata (Vox Gabrieli) for Trombone and Piano” by Stjepan Šulek performed by Leslie and Cho.

“‘Partita’ is a three-movement work that shows off the stylistic and dynamic contrasts possible from the trombone,” Leslie said. “Presser was the professor of composition at the University of Southern Mississippi for many years. He has more than 100 published works and focused on writing music for wind and brass instruments.”

Leslie said “Sonata (vox Gabrieli)” was commissioned by the International Trombone Association. “It is a dark and powerful work that builds intensity until a finish that is supposed to represent the end of the world.” Sulek was a Croatian composer and a leading music professor in his home country.

Leslie and Flythe conclude the recital with the rousing “Hey Reb, Pass the Biscuits!” by David Wilborn.

About Appalachian State University

As the premier, public undergraduate institution in the state of North Carolina, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls more than 19,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.

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