“Varietal” is a term of art in the wine industry, and refers to the different types of grapes used in the wine-making process. I have tried to match the character of the music to the various traits of grape varietals for which each movement is named. Varietals was written for my friend and former colleague, Dr. Natalie Mannix, currently a professor at the University of North Texas. It has been performed around the world, and it was used as a selected work for the American Trombone Workshop’s National Solo Competition in 2014.

1. Opening - Barolo

   Barolo is bold and powerful, often referred to as the “king of wines,” and comes from the Piedmont region of Italy. This movement begins with a strong fanfare motive built on ascending perfect fourths, and that idea continues into the first of two interlocking themes. Meanwhile, the piano complements the solo trombone with a jocular ostinato based on consecutive fifths. The musical characteristics of the opening movement are boisterous, dry, and rather aggressive. 

2. Intermezzo - Toscana

   Toscana, another red varietal, is more smooth and velvety, and hails (as its name suggests) from the area of Tuscany. For this movement I wanted something heartfelt, sentimental and without artifice. It begins with a recitative meant to evoke the style of Verdi or Puccini, and the main theme is based on an orchestral passage that appears in the second act of the opera "Tosca."

3. Tarantella - Verduzzo

   Verduzzo is a golden wine grape, with a rich, sweet flavor redolent of melons and honey. I chose the form of the Tarantella for this movement in order to close the work with a rousing climax. The Tarantella is a frantic dance once believed to counter the effects of a tarantula bite (though in all likelihood, it had exactly the opposite effect). There are two themes in play, one in F major and another in B minor, and the piece ends in an exhilarating rush of energy.

Copyright © 2012 Andrew Skaggs Music

Engraved by David J. Miller www.sterlingmusiceditions.com

Cover Art © Sarah McAnerny, Tre Sorelle Studios, used with permission. www.TreSorelleStudios.com