Review

Erik Satie
Trois Sarabandes : for five trombones

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


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

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones

This work is an effective and compelling five-part trombone choir soundscape. These sarabandes, the second premiered by Maurice Ravel, can serve as individual stand alone works or as a combined collection on a concert. They are impressive arrangements that extend the realm of trombone choir repertoire.
 
Sauer employs judicious transpositions, enharmonic recasting, and careful part-writing to ensure a seamless transition into a trombone domain. His strategic inclusion of repeat signs will give the conductor some flexibility if there are timing constraints for a concert program. The first sarabande is transposed a major second higher than the original from A-flat to B-flat, while the second is enharmonically revoiced in E-flat minor, an adaptation that many pianists learning the original D sharp minor version would admire. While the first two are largely homorhythmic, there is more independent writing in the third, with several exposed passages for the third and fourth trombone parts. The ranges and tessituras traversed by individual parts will work well for a mixed-level group of performers. The first part is given in alto clef and regularly ascends to e-flat2 in each of the three pieces, with an overall tessitura that lies well for the aspiring alto trombonist or robust tenor player. The second and third parts are cast in tenor clef, the remaining in bass clef. The fifth part descends to GG-flat, with an optional EE-flat in the third piece.

-Peter George Fielding
Red Deer College