Sonata by Paul Whear

Solo Title: Sonata
Composer and Arranger: Paul W. Whear (1925-2021)
Publisher Code: Ludwig Masters Publications, 36-10530228
Date Published: 1963
Clef: Bass and Tenor
Purchase Link: Sheet Music Plus
Recording: YouTube

Whear’s Sonata for trombone is filled with multiple elements that will positively challenge the soloist. From the beginning, the fanfare-like melody enters the higher register of the instrument. Toward the middle of the movement, a slower lyrical melody lasts for only a few measures before returning to the quick-paced tempo. The second movement is lyrical in nature and stays in the mid-to-upper register. This movement can be challenging for range due to sustained high notes at soft dynamic levels. The final movement is fast and focuses on short technical spurts of eighth notes.

Movements and Tempo MarkingsDuration
I. Moderately Fast-Moving (q=108)
Slower (q=78)
5'
II. Slow-Expressive (q=52)4'
III. Rather Fast (q=132)3'
Organization’s Class and Grade Levels FMEAISSMAITANYSSMAOMEAPMEAUIL
(What is This?)5 [1]Yes [2]4NLA [3]6 [4]1 [5]
Grading Points ScaleLevelTotal PointsRangeRhythmTempoDurationBonus
(What is This?)--Ab1 to C516th93 bpm12'See Footnote [6]
5 (4.7)23.53.54310 (max)3
  1. FMEA requires movements 1 and 2 OR movement 3.
  2. ISSMA requires any two movements.
  3. OMEA requires either movements 1 and 2 OR movements 2 and 3.
  4. PMEA requires movements 1 and 2.
  5. UIL requires either movements 1 and 2 OR movements 2 and 3.
  6. Clef Changes (1), Syncopation (1), Meter Changes (1)