Review

Johannes Brahms
Three Pieces:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2007
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Piano score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Ralph Sauer, former principal trombonist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, has transcribed three piano pieces of Johannes Brahms for trombone and piano. Number one, Allegro energico, and number two, Andante teneramente (originally numbers 2 and 3) come from op.118 of Brahms collection of six piano pieces. Number three, Grazioso e giocoso, comes from op.119, no.3 of a collection of four piano pieces. Sauer took the main melody heard in the piano and transcribed it for trombone set in tenor clef. Original keys are used in the first and third pieces; the second is changed from A to G major. The pieces range from g to b1. There are technical challenges in the fast movements, tricky syncopated rhythms in the first, and constant eighths in the third. Referencing original piano recordings will inform performance interpretation. This arrangement is appropriate for advanced undergraduate to graduate level trombonists or any professional.

-Matthew Driscoll
Cornell and Central College (Iowa)