Review

Various
Christmas Anthology: for two trombones

Arranged by Frank J. Halferty


Delevan, NY, United States
Publisher: Kendor Music
Date of Publication: 2014
URL: http://www.kendormusic.com

Primary Genre: Elementary Material - ensemble
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 2 trombones

This book of Christmas duets, subtitled 24 Duets for Grade 3-4 Musicians (where 6 is the highest grade), is intended for intermediate-level players aged high school through college. All of the carols are traditional, Deck the Halls, Silent Night, etc., and are presented in easily read open score format - both parts beamed together - with good typesetting. Most are one to two minutes long with both metronome settings and durations thoughtfully included. The first part goes up to a1, second to f1 and down to low G in the second part, with no F attachment needed. There are a few 16th note runs in the faster carols but nothing beyond the capabilities of a good high school player.
 
These duets present the carol in one part with a simple counterpart in the other; the subsequent stanzas show more variety. Harmonies are traditional and the duets are both easy to prepare and pleasing to the audience. The arranger adds tonal contrast in two of the carols by adding mutes, but in both instances the player is given one beat or less to insert and then remove the mute. This may be quite frustrating given the intended age of the players.
 
As trombonists we do not have many holiday works accessible to young players or for situations where rehearsal time is short. These are highly recommended for impromptu or formal holiday music-making with a bass clef friend.
-David Mathie
Boise State University