Review

Anton Bruckner
Um Mitternacht:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2014
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones

Originally composed in 1886 for men’s choir and tenor soloist, celebrated trombonist Ralph Sauer has orchestrated this choral work for trombone ensemble. To be expected, all parts are carefully written to appropriately fit each tessitura. The first part goes up to c-flat2 once and otherwise stays in a reasonably comfortable range. Clear phrase markings and breath marks are given.
 
A careful study of the original vocal score reveals decisions made by Sauer. Some pitches are doubled, octave adjustments are made, and some textual phrasings are disregarded, however musical integrity is maintained. In the third strophe, the choir is originally scored to hum which is not reflected in the trombone choir setting. Muting or playing into the music stand might be effective alternatives for this. Approximately six minutes in length, the majesty of Bruckner’s harmonic and melodic vocabulary are here. At the time of this review, a fantastic recording is available on Youtube from the 2015 Southeast Trombone Symposium.

-David Stern
Houston, TX