Anthony Plog

Double Concerto 2014

When I began work on the Double Concerto 2014 I immediately thought of using antiphonal strings with one group with the trumpet (on the left side) and the other with the trombone (right side) and in the middle the percussions. This gives so many possibilities, not usual in a piece featuring soloists, and this concept comes directly from the father of brass writing, by the venitian master Giovanni Gabrieli (c. 1556-1612). The trumpet and trombone (with their corresponding choirs) quite often relate to one another either as a duo (as in the opening theme) or in a statement and answer form, as in the opening allegro. The outer movements are energetic and rhythmic, with prominently featured cadenzas. The second movement is a stark contrast - it is quiet, reflective, and calm. The Double Concerto 2014 was inspired by the memory of the friendship of my brother Stanley C. Plog (1930-2011) and trumpet player Irving R. Bush (1930-2009), my great teacher. Anthony Plog, May 2014, Freiburg i. Br., Germany