Jan Freidlin has written a delightful work in 8 movements for Trombone and Piano called A Little Theater Buffo.
In the words of the composer, Jan Freidlin, here is the synopsis of the work:
"A Little Theater Buffo" is a joyful "spettacolo concertante" (concert show) for two "actors" (performers), where the Trombonist is starring with several leading roles (especially the "main clown") and the Pianist is like a background orchestra creating the atmosphere for every scene.
Throughout the "imaginary" show, one can see almost a real Italian "commedia dell'arte" (art comedy), with its familiar characters and personages wearing their traditional masks. One can also imagine this show in a genre of an "opera buffa", with the typical arias, duets, recitatives, etc.
Each performer has several "leitmotivs", which help the listeners follow the action. The music for "A Theater Buffo", has been kept deliberately simple. It allows the musicians to produce their technical potential and, all of their staging keeps them in close contact with the audience.
The titles of the movements are:
1. Ouverture 2. Recitativo & Refrain 3. Piano Interlude 4. The Puppet Show 5. Harlequin's Arietta 6. Duetto Military 7. Romance of Pierrot 8. Final Kaleidoscope
This work is about 15 minutes in length, for advanced performers and will make a wonderful addition to a recital.
The sample digital sound file is an excerpt from movement 6. Duetto Military, a sarcastic march featuring a dialog between the Trombonist and the Pianist.
Free pdf Sample
Upon his graduation he served as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Odessa Philharmonic Society Jazz Band, and in 1974 became a member of the USSR Composers' Union. He was the Head of the Music Theory department at the Stolyarsky Special Music College from 1974 until 1990 when he immigrated to Israel.
Freidlin taught at the Rubin Academy of Music in Tel-Aviv for 3 years, and he currently teaches at the Levinsky College of Music in Tel- Aviv.
Jan Freidlin is a very prolific author. He wrote orchestral works (3 symphonies , ballet “Guernica”, several concertos) as well as chamber music and solo compositions, music for 7 feature movies and 26 theatrical shows. Many of his pieces are published, recorded & performed all over the world.
Freidlin has composed music for many television shows, for 26 theater plays and for 7 feature films. A prolific composer, many of his works have been performed in Russia, Israel, Ukraine, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, UK, Czech Republic, Holland, France, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Japan, Canada, Australia and the USA.
The works of Jan Freidlin are published in many editions in the USA, Germany, France, Israel, Belgium, Russia & Ukraine and are recorded on many CDs.
