Swindler, Wil - Amalgamation

Amalgamation is a four-movement piece for solo tenor trombone and a choir of mixed winds. The separate movements are performed without pause except for a brief break between the third and fourth movements. Each section is a distinct musical portrait of an aspect of life in New York City. The first movement, Prologue, is a soliloquy for the trombone soloist that states· several of the themes clearly before the ''background noise" of the ensemble marks the beginning of the second movement, Lost in the Crowd. As is suggested by the title, this section contains several themes being played all at once to create the cacophony that can swallow the individual as he/she attempts to be heard amongst countless other voices. Song for a Southern Sunrise begins as the noise of the crowd calms down and the relative peacefulness of a city sanctuary becomes the setting. The trombone soloist sings a simple song against a flowing accompaniment. This tranquility is short lived, however, as the fourth movement, Daily Dance, begins with a rhythmic brass fanfare. The irony of this "dance" is that it's turbulent.odd­meter would make it quite difficult for anyone to actually dance to it, yet in "the City" we all attempt this dance everyday.