Scherzo for Trumpet and Piano

Premiered by Barbara Hull, trumpet, and Gretchen Hull, piano (2022)

Scherzo for Trumpet and Piano (2022) is a playful, virtuosic work. The outer sections feature a relentless, sweeping flow of melodic phrases that stretch the trumpet to its register limits. The piano accompanies with percussive figurations, jazz-derived harmonies, and rhythmic groupings that constantly shift the pulse. Providing contrast, the brief middle section dials back the energy to sing in a more lyrical, expressive, songlike style, before quickly yielding to a spirited recapitulation of the opening’s breathless drive.

This recording: Kevin Tague, trumpet; Aimee Fincher, piano