On Tuesday June 21, 2005 a new work for trumpet solo was premiered in New York’s Carnegie Hall, Elegy for Trumpet and String Orchestra composed by William Zinn. The soloist was Robert Zottola with the Senior Concert Orchestra of New York, conducted by David Gilbert. The piece was first composed for trumpet and piano in May 2004 and then orchestrated by the composer for string orchestra as he originally conceived the piece. We can expect the piece to be published for the trumpet world to enjoy in the coming year, both for trumpet and piano and trumpet and string orchestra. An announcement of its publication will be forthcoming in a future ITG Journal. The piece is in the minor mode and transitions through several keys. The range for this single movement Andante lyrical piece is from low G to high D on the B-flat trumpet.

Notes from the Carnegie Hall Playbill :

Inspired by the beautiful trumpet sound of his musical colleague and friend [ITG member] Matthew Raskin, violinist-composer William Zinn composed an Elegy for trumpet and string orchestra which he dedicated to Matthew Raskin. The contrast and blend between trumpet and strings is an ideal medium for the expression of an Elegy, thought Mr. Zinn.

The Elegy conjures up visions of longing and pathos with shadows of Tschaikowskyesque moods. The Elegy requires enormous skill of breath control which is needed for the sensitive and delicate phrasing and interpretation to produce the quality of a singing voice.

Robert Zottola, our soloist, is also Matthew Raskin's teacher and mentor for over 28 years.

Our Octogenarian William Zinn, longtime member of The Senior Concert Orchestra of New York has been on the roster of many major orchestras including Baltimore, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Minneapolis Symphonies as well as concertmaster of the New Britain, Chappaqua, Ridgefield, Queens and Yonkers Symphonies. He is currently the world's leading string arranger with over 500 works in print. His original works include symphonies, concertos, various symphonic works, chamber music and songs. Author of four books, he is currently completing a book of Original Wise Sayings which is nearing an astounding 13,000.