James’ Concerto for Trumpet was recently performed by the Beach Cities Orchestra. Conducted by Maestro Barry Brisk and featuring John Cather on trumpet, the work was brilliantly played!

​

Following are the program notes:

The initial inspiration for this work began in 5th grade when I was first introduced to the trumpet. I was fascinated with the instrument because of its strength of character and ability to be intimate as well. The band Chicago, Doc Severinsen, Herb Alpert, and the wealth of film music I was exposed to through the years, led to me to write and perform my earliest arrangements for the trumpet. The Sonata for Trumpet by Halsey Stevens, who was a mentor to my mentors, and Jolivet’s Concerto for Trumpet, were later inspirations.

My daily work as a composer for film at times ends in some frustration because as the famous composer Jerry Goldsmith was known to quip at the end of his recording sessions, “Well, this will all sound very nice underneath the sound effects!” So when a friend of mine Mark Gould, the principal trumpet in the New York Metropolitan Opera, suggested I write a work for trumpet, I jumped at the opportunity.

Conceived as a three movement work, I wanted to challenge the constraints of the instrument and highlight all that I appreciate about it. In tonality and rhythm I’ve sought to push outward, yet remain in the “listenable zone”. In the choice of orchestration, I have chosen to contrast the trumpet with only the string orchestra and percussion, giving me the opportunity in the concerto format, to make comparisons and contrasts all the more vibrant.

As to my creative spark here I defer to Stravinsky who would bluntly say about his innovations “Only God can create. I make music from music.” Soli Deo Gloria