Review

Elizabeth Raum
Prelude and Fughetta:
2 tenor trombones (one in tenor clef) bass trombone

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2020 / 2023
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 3 trombones

Elizabeth Raum has composed an amazing catalogue of brass chamber repertoire. As a former oboist, her works draw on a deep understanding of phrasing, balance, and color. Raum’s Prelude and Fughetta is perhaps best positioned for less experienced trombonists. All three trombone parts are written exclusively in bass clef. The first part never exceeds a1, the second part never exceeds f1, and the bass part only ventures below F three times — in each case to play an optional C.

The prelude is set in C major in 3/4 time, while the fughetta is set in F major in 4/4 time. Collectively both movements are less than three minutes long. While both sections employ various degrees of contrapuntal density, it is all achieved with simple rhythms at moderate tempi.

The parts and score are well edited for legibility. While likely intended for younger players, Elizabeth Raum’s Prelude and Fughetta is a lovely work and could be ideally programmed for trombonists of any level and for almost any purpose.