Premiered/Live Recorded Dec. 1, 2013, by Dr. James Hall (Trombone) and Stephen Coxe (Piano) at Old Dominion University.

Program Notes: The horn player in me makes it difficult for me to admit, simply, I think the trombone is a beast, a monster, a force to be reckoned with. The word beast has many connotations and is explored in this concert work for solo trombone and piano. Trombone Beast Suite also is based on the visage of some powerful animal, like a lion, being inspired somewhat by Blake’s The Tyger, and each movement displays a particular characteristic. “Tempered Beast” (the prelude) explores the potential energy and power that remains dormant. “Wild Beast” (dance) is a fury of primitive spirit without any aggression or brutality. “Sleeping Beast” (lullaby) is simply the beast asleep, which has a much more beautiful quality then its dormant and restrained self. “Naughty Beast” (waltz) is comical, humorous and can be described as a cute little lion cub meandering around. How curious is this cat? “Raging Beast” (toccata) explores the unrelenting power, strength, and ferocity of a beast.

I. Tempered Beast (Prelude) II. Wild Beast (Dance) III. Sleeping Beast (Lullaby) IV. Naughty Beast (Waltz) V. Raging Beast (Toccata)

Trombone Beast(Live Performance) By Thomas Joseph

Composer, Conductor, Music Instructor. 
MM: Music Composition from Shenandoah Conservatory. 
BM: Music Composition from Old Dominion University.

Trombone Beast(Live Performance) By Thomas Joseph

ThomasJosephComposer