As a work for Solo Trombone the composer wanted to explore the dramatic and lyrical qualities of the instrument performing both the usual (?) fanfare music with which it is associated and the long soaring lyrical lines of which it is supremely capable. He also wanted to explore the complete register of this remarkable instrument and, in a limited way, some of the special effects it is capable of.
Although the four movements can be played separately, or in any order or indeed in the printed order, there is a 'through line' of thought from Fanfare & Toccata I to Lied, Dreamscape and the final Toccata & Fanfare II (La Chasse). One idea which Chris has explored in his public performances is to space the four movements through a programme and perhaps move around the platform area in the process. Peter Swan fully approves of this imaginative approach to programming.
Recorded by:
Θ - Chris Houlding, on Houlding His Own - CD 69554