The pickings are slim for playable, high quality, challenging unaccompanied trumpet pieces to program on recitals. “Dimensions” is a collection of five short contrasting movements. The work presents an appropriate balance of rest, duration, and variety for both performer and audience. Total duration, including brief pauses between movements, is about ten minutes.

The first movement “Dot Ditty” presents rhythmic and half-valve acrobatics in an energetic rag feel. Calling for cup mute, the introductory movement warmly colors this five-movement experience.

Movement two “Space-Time” is a laid back medium swing with a stark color change to Harmon mute. When performed with the right feel, the audience can almost hear a gentle high hat and subdued bass line. It shows its best character with lots of tasteful vibrato.

The third movement “Lines and Times” is a lively Latin feel, with challenging be-bop-ish licks. Stylistically, the performer can have license to bend, scoop, and dance (if so inclined) to add the proper spice to the intended flavor.

The movement premiered at the ITG New Works Recital is the fourth: “Mystery of 4D Matter.” Composed for the velvety flugelhorn, this is the lyrical movement of the collection. Even so, it demands a high level of technical abilities in the development section.

The work ends with “Hypercube Net”—a short, fast circus march with the sizzle of straight mute, requiring a mute that can pop out low notes. “Hypercube Net” is the shortest of the five movements for endurance purposes as well as audience interest. Despite its brevity, it does not skimp on form, artistry, or technical requirements. Featuring finger pyrotechnics, rapid multiple tonguing, long breathless phrases, and octave jumps, this movement completes “Dimensions” on a daring (but accessible) high C.

All five movements were originally composed for an outstanding 18-minute children's documentary on spatial dimensions, available here: