Lassus Trombone
Program Notes
The well-known bandleader and composer, Henry Fillmore published his most famous composition, Lassus Trombone, in 1915. This was the second of his popular "trombone smears" featuring the sliding trombones. His first "smear," Miss Trombone, was published in 1908, and had become a popular selection on the concerts by the Sousa Band.
When several members of the Sousa Band visited with henry Fillmore in 1915, they mentioned that Miss Trombone had pleased audiences whenever it was performed. This comment probably inspired Henry to write his best-known piece of music, Lassus Trombone.
According to the author, Paul Bierley, "For all practical purposes, Lassus Trombone is a classic. The structure is solid. The melody, harmony and rhythm are combined in a glorious, near perfect manner. It is highly listenable, clever, and snappy. Because it literally exudes happiness, it is little wonder that Henry lived to see sales of the sheet music surpass the two million mark. Lassus Trombone quickly took the place among the world's toe-tappers, and it still falls in that category."
When he was asked about the origin of the title, Fillmore responded, "Why, molasses, of course…I thought of molasses on bread for breakfast, dinner, and supper." Sousa soon discovered the magic of "Lassus" and he performed it almost daily for several years.
The well-known bandleader and composer, Henry Fillmore published his most famous composition, Lassus Trombone, in 1915. This was the second of his popular "trombone smears" featuring the sliding trombones. His first "smear," Miss Trombone, was published in 1908, and had become a popular selection on the concerts by the Sousa Band.
When several members of the Sousa Band visited with henry Fillmore in 1915, they mentioned that Miss Trombone had pleased audiences whenever it was performed. This comment probably inspired Henry to write his best-known piece of music, Lassus Trombone.
According to the author, Paul Bierley, "For all practical purposes, Lassus Trombone is a classic. The structure is solid. The melody, harmony and rhythm are combined in a glorious, near perfect manner. It is highly listenable, clever, and snappy. Because it literally exudes happiness, it is little wonder that Henry lived to see sales of the sheet music surpass the two million mark. Lassus Trombone quickly took the place among the world's toe-tappers, and it still falls in that category."
When he was asked about the origin of the title, Fillmore responded, "Why, molasses, of course…I thought of molasses on bread for breakfast, dinner, and supper." Sousa soon discovered the magic of "Lassus" and he performed it almost daily for several years.
Rehearsal Notes
This edition of Lassus Trombone is based on the original 1915 publication, which was played by the Sousa Band. It is perfect for both smaller and larger bands. It is so well written that it will also sound good with bands that do not have large or complete instrumentation.
1) Tempo – The tempo is not fast. Fillmore wrote the words "Slow Drag" on the conductor part instead of a more traditional tempo marking. This will work very well at about ♩= 96.
2) Dynamic Contrast – The best performances of Lassus Trombone will be played with great dynamic contrast. Exaggerate the difference in dynamics by playing the softer portions even softer.
3) Trombone Smears – This work features trombone smears. All of the smears (glissandi) need to be played louder.
Trio
4) Bells – As in the original, the bells only play the first strain of the trio.
5) Trombones – For greater dynamic (and textural) contrast, trombones can be tacet the first part of the Trio, the first time through. The counter-melody will be played by the Tenor Sax and the Baritone. At measure 69, trombones play both times.
This edition of Lassus Trombone is based on the original 1915 publication, which was played by the Sousa Band. It is perfect for both smaller and larger bands. It is so well written that it will also sound good with bands that do not have large or complete instrumentation.
1) Tempo – The tempo is not fast. Fillmore wrote the words "Slow Drag" on the conductor part instead of a more traditional tempo marking. This will work very well at about ♩= 96.
2) Dynamic Contrast – The best performances of Lassus Trombone will be played with great dynamic contrast. Exaggerate the difference in dynamics by playing the softer portions even softer.
3) Trombone Smears – This work features trombone smears. All of the smears (glissandi) need to be played louder.
Trio
4) Bells – As in the original, the bells only play the first strain of the trio.
5) Trombones – For greater dynamic (and textural) contrast, trombones can be tacet the first part of the Trio, the first time through. The counter-melody will be played by the Tenor Sax and the Baritone. At measure 69, trombones play both times.