Illuminations

• Illuminations is a single-movement concerto for solo trombone and wind symphony. The piece was written in 2004 for trombonist Joseph Alessi and commissioned by a consortium of several ensembles, including University of New Mexico Wind Symphony, Arizona State University Bands, University of Oregon Wind Ensemble, and Yale Concert Band.¹
• Notes on the piece from the composer:

“Although only in one movement, the work contains all the technical and musical aspects of a three or four movement concerto. The first six notes, introduced in a bell-like pyramid, set the musical and emotional climate of the work. The title Illuminations is also derived from the opening bell tones, which have a quality of sparkling brightness. This motif reoccurs throughout the work and is the central pivot.

“The piece can be divided into three large sections; each section having contrasting sections interspersed throughout with solo trombone cadenzas. The solo part explores the complete range of the trombone…

“The piece is not only technically challenging for both soloist and ensemble but requires a concentrated energy throughout. Brilliant, radiant, bright, and luminous are some of the words that describe its inner workings. There is a shiny hard surface to the work which seems to reflect light in all directions.”²

1. Joseph Turrin, Illuminations (Greensboro: C. Alan Publications, 2004), 1.
2. Notes in accompanying booklet, Illuminations: Joseph Alessi performed by Joseph Alessi and the University of New Mexico Wind Symphony conducted by Eric Rombach-Kendall, Summit 367, 2004, compact disc.