Presente is a “rhythm” composition for trombone. Its intention is to proceed from musical “generalities” (such as fanfare rhythm, jazz flourish and “melody”), nonetheless respecting them so to say in their proportions. The fanfare rhythm at the beginning of the piece is determinant for the structure of the whole composition: 4 touches are disposed in the proportion of 3 to 1 within a total duration of 4 quarters (1 quarter = 1 crotchet): 3 quarters = 1 touch / 1 quarter = 3 touches. Thus the duration of the tones and the number of touches are exchanged crosswisely. In all structures – each of which consisting of 4 links in conformity with the main rhythm – the 4^th link is striking and pressing forward, just as the triplet on the 4^th beat.

Among the 4 formal parts characterized as “Fanfare”, “Jazzfloskel” (jazz flourish), “Melodie” and “Lied” (song), the “Lied” (an anti-Fascist song, which was created in 1933 in the concentration camp of Börgermoor and is entitled “Moorsoldatenlied”) represents an exception: the musical “generalities” incorporate a thing that concerns the general public. The final tone of the “Lied” is blown out towards all four cardinal points.

Nicolaus A. Huber (Translation: Roger Clément)