Fitelberg, Jerzy

Fitelberg, Jerzy – Concertino for Trombone, Piano, and String Orchestra

(b. Warsaw, 20. May 1903 – d. New York, 25. April 1951)

(1947)

Preface
Jerzy Fitelberg’s Concerto for Trombone, Piano, and String Orchestra stands as a testament to the composer’s innovative spirit and his ability to blend traditional forms with modern sensibilities. Born in 1903 into a family of musicians—his father was the distinguished conductor Grzegorz Fitelberg—Jerzy Fitelberg carved out a distinctive path in 20th-century music, characterized by his eclectic style and masterful use of instrumental color.

The concerto was commissioned with an awareness of the evolving role of the trombone as a solo instrument, and Fitelberg seized this opportunity to explore its expressive potential alongside the piano. The work is structured to highlight the virtuosic capabilities of both soloists while maintaining a dialogue with the string orchestra, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is both intimate and expansive.

The concerto received its world premiere on September 18, 1949, at the Yaddo Music Colony in Saratoga Springs, New York. This significant event was part of a series of concerts dedicated to American compositions, underscoring the work’s place within the contemporary musical landscape. Davis Shuman, a prominent trombonist of the time, delivered a standout performance as the soloist, with Dean Dixon conducting the Yaddo Music Group Chamber Orchestra. Contemporary accounts, such as Noel Straus’s review in the New York Times, praised the concert for its adventurous programming and the high level of musicality displayed.

Fitelberg’s concerto gained further recognition with a notable performance on November 2, 1963, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Once again, Davis Shuman was the trombone soloist, this time performing with Musica Aeterna under the baton of Frederic Waldman. Raymond Ericson, writing for the New York Times, highlighted the concerto as a significant part of the program, drawing attention to its innovative qualities and the compelling rendition by Shuman and the ensemble.

Despite its initial success and the acclaim it received at performances, Fitelberg’s Concerto for Trombone, Piano and String Orchestra was rarely performed in the following years. The concerto was recorded by Andrej Sienkiewicz, trombone, with the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra and Christoph Slowinski, conductor, on Presto ClassicalRecords (EDA39) in 2015.

Through this publication, we honor Jerzy Fitelberg’s contributions to the trombone repertoire and his enduring legacy as a composer who skillfully navigated the currents of 20th-century music. We hope that this work will inspire new generations of performers and listeners to appreciate the depth and innovation of Fitelberg’s compositional voice.

Peter Fielding, 2025

For performance material please contact Edward B. Marks Music Company, New York

read German preface … > HERE