Four Elements was originally composed for Violin and Bass Trombone and was written as a Christmas present for the composer's sister, Priscilla, and her husband, Bass Trombonist, Gordon Hallberg who performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Raum was experimenting with tone rows at the time and the row is first stated in the first six notes in the Trombone part followed by the next six in the Violin part.
The titles of the movements, from the Four Elements, are descriptive of the moods of each movement.
Water has the lines of the instruments flowing, as in a river with swirls and eddies.
Earth has Jazz influences which are intended to give an "Earthy" quality to the second movement.
Air, with mutes, glissandos, and quasi unmeasured rhythm, seeks to "float;"
The finale Fire is crackling with excitement.
Trombonist, David William Brubeck, asked Raum if she had anything written for trumpet and trombone as he frequently performs in a duo so she adapted the violin part in Four Elements for trumpet.
The work can be performed by advanced performers.
Two scores are provided, including one for C Trumpet and the other for B-flat Trumpet. The Trombone part can be performed with an f-attachment Tenor Trombone or Bass Trombone
