Dark Fanfare for trombone octet

[IanDeterlingComposer]

Hi everyone!

I recently composed a new work for trombone octet titled Dark Fanfare. It was commissioned by Benjamin Yates in honor of Mr. Nyline for the 2025 Luther College Low Brass Reunion.

Here's a score video if you'd like to have a listen:



Here are the program notes if you'd like to have a read:

Dark Fanfare, Op. 26 for trombone octet is a haunting and powerful work that plunges the listener into a sound world of ominous grandeur and surreal unease. Inspired by the 1961 cinematic adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Pit and the Pendulum, directed by Roger Corman and starring Vincent Price, this composition evokes the film’s unsettling atmosphere and brooding tension through towering melodies, dissonant cluster chords, and gloomy harmonic progressions.

Set in post-Inquisition Spain, the film’s influences are subtly woven throughout the piece, anchoring the work in its historical and cultural context while distorting those traditions through a lens of horror and suspense. The resulting textures feel familiar yet unsettling, much like the ancient castle and dusty corridors in the film. A contrasting middle section brings forth serene melodies, accompanied by warm harmonies that offer a fleeting sense of hopefulness.

Ultimately, Dark Fanfare is a study in contrasts: darkness and grandeur, fear and serenity, dread and beauty. It invites the audience not only to listen, but to inhabit its world - a place where fear takes shape in sound, and every moment resonates with the swing of a pendulum.

Thanks!

-Ian

[Chazzer69]

Cool piece!

[IanDeterlingComposer]

Cool piece!

Thank you!!

[MahlerMusic]

Hi everyone!

I recently composed a new work for trombone octet titled Dark Fanfare. It was commissioned by Benjamin Yates in honor of Mr. Nyline for the 2025 Luther College Low Brass Reunion.

Thanks!

-Ian

Wow, I love this. Is the intention for the 2nd Bass part to be played on a Contrabass, as that part does dig pretty deep?
Do you plan to release a video of the first performance?

[robcat2075]

I enjoyed the piece.

"Fanfare" may not the right characterization, but I enjoyed it none-the-less.

[IanDeterlingComposer]

Wow, I love this. Is the intention for the 2nd Bass part to be played on a Contrabass, as that part does dig pretty deep?
Do you plan to release a video of the first performance?

I did write it for Bass, but I would also love to hear that part on Contrabass. It would definitely add to those deep, dark dungeon notes! The performance was recorded, but I don't have a copy of the recording quite yet... Hopefully I'll be able to share it soon. Thanks so much!

[IanDeterlingComposer]

I enjoyed the piece.

"Fanfare" may not the right characterization, but I enjoyed it none-the-less.

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the piece!

[Soulbrass]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing

[IanDeterlingComposer]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing

Thank you for listening!

[SGlong]

Awesome piece!!

[IanDeterlingComposer]

Awesome piece!!

Thanks so much!

[Kbiggs]

Cool piece! I wanted it to go on longer, which I think is a good thing!

[BrassSection]

Great piece, thanks!

[IanDeterlingComposer]

Cool piece! I wanted it to go on longer, which I think is a good thing!

That's a very encouraging compliment, thank you very much!

[IanDeterlingComposer]

Great piece, thanks!

Thank you for checking it out!

[IanDeterlingComposer]

Here is a video of the premiere!