Review


John Antes
Moravian Chorales and Chants :

Arranged by Jeff Reynolds

Four voice trombone ensemble

Vancouver, BC, , Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2017
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Grade 3. Score and parts.

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

These arrangements of sacred music that would have been heard in the Moravian Church (the Moravian Church is a denomination of the Protestant religion) could be played in a variety of worship settings, or simply as an exercise in chorale playing. They are not meant to be performed cover to cover. Reynolds indicates which part of the liturgical year each chorale or chant is typically used, such as Lent, Advent or Passion Week. Consider using these as an alternative to the frequently played motets of Anton Bruckner. There is a nice version of O Sacred Head Now Wounded in a gorgeous new harmonic setting. The first five are chorales for trombone quartet, but the last two, Freuen wir uns and Verbum Patris humanatur, are chants arranged for trombone quartet with optional contrabass trombone part and trombone trio, respectively. All parts are given in bass clef, except for the first trombone part, which is in tenor and bass clef. The chorales are set in easy-to-read key signatures such as G minor and D minor and the chants are appropriately written in plainsong notation. Phrase markings are clearly indicated by slurs and/or breath markings. Range extends from a b-flat1 in the first trombone part to AA in the optional contrabass trombone part. Add this one to your collection; assemble a group of trombonists, arm them with alto, tenor, and bass sackbuts, and get to the nearest cathedral, stat!

Reviewer: Thomas Pylinski
Review Published June 13, 2023