Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra was written in 1924 by Danish composer Launy Grøndahl during his time in Italy. It was inspired by the trombone section of the Orchestra of the Casino Theatre in Copenhagen (of which Grøndahl had been a violinist since the age of thirteen). This work was premiered in Copenhagen by the Orchestra of the Casino Theatre with soloist Vilhelm Aarkrogh, the principal trombonist of the orchestra.
The concerto is in three movements:
- Moderato assai ma molto maestoso
- Quasi una Leggenda: Andante grave
- Finale: Maestoso - Rondo
This score is written for the following instruments:
This is one of the Danish composer's most famous pieces. It is frequently performed worldwide. A standard performance of the concerto usually lasts around 15 minutes.
There is also an edited version by Michael Stewart for a solo trombone and a brass ensemble, consisting of 3 trumpets, 2 horns, 2 trombones, euphonium and tuba, and a version for trombone and piano.