Crisp

CRISP

For Bb trumpet and piano
Duration: 7 minutes

Commissioned in memory of Dr. Robert (Bob) Romine. Consortium led by Dr. Tim Altman:

Program notes (by the composer)

I was approached by Tim Altman to write a piece in memory of his good friend, Bob Romine, who passed away at the age of 88, and still a fine trumpet player until the very end. Tim wanted "something celebratory" and to "celebrate the life of a strong trumpet player and teacher". He later informed me that Bob had once hosted the famed Russian trumpet soloist Timofei Dokshizer, as a guest to his (Bob's) North Carolina school, and it would be fun if I could incorporate some of the well-known (and Dokshizer-championed) "Concert Etude", written by Alexander Goedicke.

Being a former trumpet player myself, I know that piece all too well, and knew I would enjoy the challenge of incorporating it into the work.

The result is a spirited scherzo, meant to be mostly pure fun, while still being a worthwhile challenge for advanced younger players and seasoned pros. The slow, prayer-like middle section uses a prominent melody from the Goedicke as its source, somewhat hidden in Stephenson harmonies and alterations.
In addition to some recognizable double-tonguing patterns, there is also an arpeggiated diminished triad, a trumpet "lick" from the Goedicke that I particularly loved, so I threw it into the piano part, of course. (This starts at measure 330). Lastly, I normally would write with C trumpet in mind, but this one is most definitely for B trumpet, as I thought that would be appropriate to represent the spirit for which this piece was composed.

The title comes from the style I imagined for the articulations in the music, but also to honor Bob's apparent love for cooking, especially ginger cookies, which are at their best when chewy on the inside, but crisp on the outside.

I'd like to most sincerely thank Tim Altman for proposing this idea, and trusting me to (hopefully) honor Dr. Romine. I'd also like to thank the many supporters who joined in on the project, so that it might become a reality.

Jim Stephenson; April 29, 2020