Review

Anton Bruckner
Christus Factus Est: for 5-part low brass ensemble

Arranged by Randall Malmstrom


Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2011
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones

Randall Malmstrom’s arrangement of Bruckner’s Christus Factus Est, donated for review by Cherry Classics Music, is a welcome addition to low brass ensemble repertoire. Although there are several transcriptions and arrangements of this choral work in print, such as Malmstrom’s own bass trombone quartet version, this 5-part arrangement is a worthy addition to our large ensemble repertoire. Even though the upper three voices are given in tenor clef, individual registers are quite accessible, with the trombone 1 part ascending to a1 and the bass trombone 4 part descending to A, and the lowest voice, tuba or bass trombone 5, descending to E.
 
While largely akin to the original choral work, it is not a direct transcription, and requires five rich and independent voices. Malmstrom makes slight adjustments to enable an easier performance in an ensemble of mixed performer levels. Notable adaptations include the removal of some octave leaps in the third voice, as well as judicious octave doublings and other selective re-voicing of parts. These and other aspects make this a stronger brass composition, not merely another choral transcription for tenor/bass-voiced brass instruments.
 
For those wanting to reflect on the differences between this arrangement and choral editions, I would suggest experimenting with a brief fermata at the end of measure 19. Similarly, some of the 4-eighth note passages might benefit in clarity with slurred pairs of eighth note groupings to help convey those original lyrics. That being said, this arrangement for low brass is readily accessible as is, and this iconic repertoire continues to serve as a rewarding addition to any low brass or trombone choir concert.
    
-Peter Fielding
Red Deer College