Audio Review: Beyond The Trombone by Guillaume Varupenne

Beyond The Trombone (2014)
Yascore Productions
Guillaume Varupenne, Bass Trombone
Nicolas Vallade, Trombone
Eric Lacrouts, Violin
Michel Dietlin, Piano
Marc Lys, Piano
Victor Hanna, Percussion

French bass trombonist Guillaume Varupenne joined the Paris Opera Orchestra in 2006 at the age of 20 years old. Eight years later, Varupenne recorded his first album, Beyond The Trombone, which features a wide range of stylistic playing similar to the ever-changing musical productions found in the opera house. The result is one of the finest bass trombone recordings that showcases an exceptional command of the instrument.

Starting with Daniel Schnyder’s “World Beyond,” this five-movement work originally written for bass trombone and soprano saxophone, the version features a different mood that beautifully blends the double valved basso with the violin. The precise articulation of Varupenne matches the detached notes of violinist Eric Lacouts in a way that expands this work to become a perfect opportunity for the musicians of the last row and first row to join together in musical harmony.

In the next selection, Varupenne brings trombonist Nicolas Vallade to the recording studio for Schnyder’s “Duo Concertante,” a duet between tenor and bass trombone that allows both instrumentalists to pursue a heightened sense of musicality while pushing the limits of musical individualism with maintaining cohesion – especially as the duet enters in the fugue portion.

Even the composer Daniel Schnyder is marveled by Varupenne’s performances of these two masterful compositions by saying in the liner notes that “this particular recording is a very fine example of his art.”

As in opera, scenes can quickly change to another all while telling a beautiful story, so is Varupenne’s next track of Fauré’s “Après Un Rêve” which gives a breath of beauty through instrumental lyricism as the bass trombone sings through the higher tessitura.

Continuing with lyrical music, Varupenne’s rendition of “Fantaisie” by Fabien Gabel gives a beautiful Debussy-Esque feel that continues to feature the beautiful baritone singing of the bass trombone. The whirlwind of ascension to the mountaintop exemplifies the perfect amount of expression through the instrument.

As the record comes to a third lyrical work, Messiaen’s “Vocalise en La” truly again highlights the ability of the bass trombone to play in a high register. Varupenne masterfully flourishes a blend of lyrical sound with ease in a range of the instrument that can be rather challenging for some.

While all the previous tracks have given a perfect embodiment of artistry and style, the final track, “Vertiges” by Marc Lys, is the chef-d’oeuvre of this album. A single movement work clocking in at 20 minutes, this composition featuring bass trombone, piano, and percussion demands sheer focus from all of the performers. It is the perfect piece that combines Varupenne’s musical abilities into one presentation of fast rhythms, a sound of beauty that glistens in song followed by jazz-like rhythms. Power, finesse, technical prowess, vocal-like nuances, strength in song – these are the attributes found in a true, masterful musician.

Beyond The Trombone by Guillaume Varupenne is a rare recording that brings together the vast differences of sound in a bass trombone. Varupenne has confident control of the instrument and pushes its limits on both sides of the spectrum in a way that should bring the bass trombone more and more to the front and center of a soloistic instrument.

Track List:

• Worlds Beyond (Daniel Schnyder)
  • Worlds Beyond
  • Blues for Schubert
  • Chase
  • Afterthought
  • We Should Know Better
• Duo Concertante (Daniel Schnyder)
• Après Un Rêve (Gabriel Fauré)
• Fantaisie (Fabien Gabel)
• Vocalise en La (Olivier Messiaen)
• Vertiges (Marc Lyn)

Click here to purchase Beyond the Trombone (Direct).

Click here to learn more about Guillaume Varupenne.

Read his interview in our series “My Practice Sessions.”