Review

Jacques Offenbach
6 Duos Op.50: arranged for two trombones

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2013
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 2 trombones

This is the second of 6 sets of duos comprising ‘Cours méthodique de duos,’ Opp.49-54, originally written for 2 ‘cellos, the instrument on which the composer was a noted virtuoso. They are of progressive difficulty and were intended for instructional use. This set is presumably of intermediate difficulty for a ‘cellist, but offers significant challenges to a trombone player, including large intervallic leaps into the trigger-pedal register that may be difficult to execute cleanly, e.g. the awkward intervals from B-flat and A to low C in Duo 2 (first part). Each piece has 2 or 3 separate and contrasted sections; there are frequent juxtapositions of major and minor tonalities, which may also prove quite challenging. Playing times range from 6 to 12 minutes. Key signatures range from four sharps to four flats. The overall compass of 1st and 2nd parts comprises C–g1 and C–f-sharp1 respectively. I think these pieces will be valuable study material for all trombonists, and especially for students who can play them with their teacher.

-Keith Davies Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada