Review

Johann Sebastian Bach
Air on the G String: for four trombones

Arranged by James Christensen


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

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

This famous excerpt from Bach’s Orchestral Suite No.3 is transposed down a third from the original key of D. Ornaments are removed and adjustments are made for compressing the string quartet range. Phrasing, dynamic, and articulation markings are added to aid interpretation. Although the first part only goes up to a-flat1, a strong player is needed as the part is exposed. The melody is scored in the second part for a time to allow for rest. This simple arrangement of a Bach standard allows for good teaching moments and could be programmed for ceremonies.

-David Stern
Houston, TX