THOR Konzert für Bassposaune und Orchester

Concerto for bass trombone and orchestra. Warmly dedicated to David Luidold (Graz Philharmonic) and premiered by him in the first version as part of the renowned Innsbruck Promenade Concerts in July 2022. The orchestra was the Stadtmusikkapelle Wilten under the direction of Raimund Walder.

About the music:
In this (crossover) work – based on Germanic mythology – the entire range of the (bass) trombone is to find an equivalent. While the first movement THOR lets the (contrabass) trombone unfold its full power at its spectacular climax (symbolically the "hammer" of Thor), the second movement - in contrast - is devoted entirely to the lyrical element. Hardly any other instrument comes closer to the character and color of the human voice than a trombone. The second movement is named after Thor's wife, SIF. The third movement is dedicated to THRUD, the daughter of Thor and Sif. The general theme of "generational conflict" is also symbolically taken up here. The trombone appears as a groovy, cheeky, young and modern instrument.

The first version (Wilten version) was not released for sale after a very successful premiere, despite numerous requests from me. It was too important for me to rework the orchestral part to a large extent. This is therefore the second, revised version of the work. The solo part, however, has remained untouched, with a few small exceptions.

Instrumentation:
I would advise against a performance without a predetermined instrumentation. Due to their unique timbre, the flugelhorn and tenor horn/baritone are particularly desirable here in the Austrian style and should only be used with one instrument. The brass arrangement should be as similar as possible to that of a symphony orchestra. (Trumpet/trombone in the center, horns should not be positioned in front!!).