"Reflections" is my debut recording and I have enjoyed every aspect of putting it together. I am very excited to introduce a couple of new substantial works by two of Canada’s most respected composers. This recording is a reflection of my life as a trombonist and a musician. I have had the privilege to learn from many exceptional musicians and they are all represented here in one form or another. I am grateful to each and every one of them. Gary Kulesha has been the Resident Composer of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra since 1995. Gary approached me about premiering his Sonata and I jumped at the chance. He was kind enough to compose the piece ahead of schedule so that I could feature it on this recording. "The Trombone Sonata is the third of a series of solo sonatas. I knew very definitely that I wanted to write sonatas for Bassoon, Flute, and Trombone and I made a deliberate attempt to write music that played against the perceived traditional role of the solo instrument, with the Trombone Sonata being aerial and lyrical. The trombone's music soars and sings, and never becomes march-like or stentorian. I even chose key centres which are completely antithetical to the way the instrument is designed. Most of the work is centred on E or G, even though the trombone is fundamentally pitched in B Flat. The first movement is flowing and lyrical, while the second is a fleeting Allegro. The third movement is for Trombone alone, and can be performed separately under the title of "Mirror". The finale is a traditional fast virtuoso display." - Gary Kulesha A new commission for this CD was important, and having Ian McDougall write it was an easy choice for me. Ian was my trombone teacher at the University of Victoria and was a huge influence on who I have become as a trombonist. He is also my favourite trombonist on the planet (check him out at www.ianmcdougall.com)! His Concertino is written beautifully for the instrument and features Ian's patented long, spacious, singing lines. "The ‘tritone’ has been referred to as a dissonance for centuries, and has been called ‘the devil in music’. This interval can be quite difficult to sing in tune, and can often grate on the ears, yet it can also have a great dramatic effect. It is truly a ‘devilish’ little beast, and it is what inspired me. The devil’s antagonist is surely an angel. So, imagine one’s guardian angel on one shoulder and ‘Old Nick’ on the other, battling for your conscience, and you will essentially have what this three movement piece is all about." - Ian McDougall Fantasy by Elizabeth Raum has long been considered standard solo trombone repertoire in Canada and is being performed more and more often in recitals around the world. I love her description of the piece. "Fantasy is in ABA form. The A part is the masculine theme, somewhat angst ridden as he is consumed with passion for the subject of the second theme, the feminine B theme (much the way Brahms divided his themes). He is obviously successful as the two unite passionately and triumphantly in the end at the largamente. I just made that up. There wasn't really a program when I wrote the piece. I just wanted to write something nice as a surprise Christmas present for my husband, Richard." - Elizabeth Raum The remaining three works on this CD have had a direct influence on my career as a trombonist and each features a true partnership between the trombone and piano. Jacques Castérède’s Sonatine is one of my favourite works for trombone. Each movement showcases completely different styles - from light and dance-like to lyrical and singing. The second movement is simply one of the most beautiful melodies in the trombone repertoire. Paul Hindemith's Sonata is very technically demanding for the pianist and challenges the trombonist to play long, sustained lines with control and phrasing. Sonata “Vox Gabrieli” by Stjepan Sulek showcases beautiful writing for both instruments. This Sonata allows for a real sense of chamber music between the two performers. Recording Engineer, Editing and Mastering: Mitchell Pady Photography: Bo Huang Graphic Design: Ian Fung Recorded at Mazzoleni Hall, Toronto S.E. Shires equipment used: TB47 Slide, 2.5 Leadpipe, Axial Flow Valve, 7Y Bell. I would like to acknowledge the very generous financial support of the S.E. Shires Company, The Canada Council for the Arts, and The Ontario Arts Council.