Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra

• Walker’s Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra was composed in 1957 and premiered at a student concert conducted by Howard Hanson at the Eastman School of Music.¹
  • Walker received his doctorate from Eastman. In 1956, he became the first Black recipient of a doctoral degree from the institution.²
• The concerto is particularly unique because it is one of the first pieces written for trombone as a solo instrument.
• Notes on the concerto from the composer:

“The Three movements of the Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra are often characterized as being neo-classical.  The content of each movement, however, is clearly contemporary as is the orchestration.  The use of a recurring section (ritornello) in the first movement is a baroque technique.  But, the second movement is monothematic.  Each movement becomes increasingly less dissonant.  The third movement, replete with syncopations, third relationships and a fugato is unlike any other classical rondo in its playfulness and good humor.”³

1. George Walker, “Notes on Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra,” George Walker, accessed February 7, 2023, http://georgetwalker.com/program_notes/notes_concerto_for_trombone.html.
2. “Biographical Information,” George Walker, accessed February 7, 2023, http://georgetwalker.com/bio.html.
3. George Walker, “Notes on Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra,” George Walker.