Jean-Michel Defaye’s “À la manière de…” for trombone: stylistic features of implementation in the modern context

Statement of the problem. The study considers the series « la manire de...» for trombone by famous French composer Jean-Michel Defaye (1932–2025) as an exclusive example of musical stylization that reflects past compositional traditions within a modern framework. The research focuses on mechanisms of stylistic reinterpretation and the integration of historical idioms into contemporary performance and pedagogical contexts. The scientific discourse has already considered the issues of musical stylization, but the specifics of the French composer’s approach to this means of expression remain insufficiently studied. A comprehensive analysis of J. M. Defaye’s works allows us to clarify the mechanisms of stylization and to identify specific techniques for reproducing the characteristic stylistic peculiarities of the music by the composers of the past, which became the basis of the series of his pieces for trombone. Objectives, methods, and novelty of the research. The purpose of the article is to identify harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic techniques used by Defaye to emulate the styles of Bach, Vivaldi, Schumann, Brahms, and Debussy. The study’s novelty lies in structural and stylistic analysis of the composer’s trombone series « la manire de...». Methodologically, it applies comparative analysis, structural examination, and an interpretative approach informed by performance practice. Research results and conclusion. The findings show how Defaye’s compositional strategies foster stylistic awareness and interpretative skills. The cycle is a vivid example of how the music of the past can be interpreted, preserving its essence and, at the same time, adding new performance possibilities. Of particular importance are the harmonic and rhythmic innovations that the composer introduces into his works, allowing traditional music to become more expressive and closer to modern performers. His style combines the precision and complexity of polyphony with emotional flexibility, which opens up new interpretative possibilities. In addition to a high technical level, the works by J.-M. Defaye require from the performers to have a deep understanding the composers’ stylistics of different eras that greatly contributes to the professional growth of musicians. The use of an instrument such as the trombone allows you to find new sounds within the framework of classical forms, demonstrating their flexibility and relevance. The conclusions emphasize the pedagogical and artistic value of these pieces.