Review

Richard Strauss
Waltzes from Der Rosenkavalier Op.59: for bass trombone or tuba and piano

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


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

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with piano

We have several solo trombone arrangements of Richard Strauss’ repertoire from his lyrical works: Allerseelen, In Golden Fuelle, Das Rosenband, Zueignung, as well as arrangements of the Horn Concerto No.1 in E-flat; this is the first arrangement of the music we know as the tone poem-type works: Don Juan, Ein Heldenleben, Till Eulenspiegel, Eine Alpensinfonie, etc. The suite from Der Rosenkavalier has become a staple in the orchestral repertoire and, as Ralph Sauer demonstrates, is ripe for our solo picking. The opening horn parts in the introduction are arranged for the soloist, complete with the famous rips to d2 in the tenor trombone version and to the original key e1 in the tuba/bass trombone version. This opening brings a level of excitement that has propelled this music into the mainstream. Proper study of recordings of the Waltz Suites will lead the performer to understand the expressive nature of these waltzes. This is not boom-chick-chick music; it is sophisticated with deep melodic and harmonic nuance. In addition to expressive elements, Strauss’ harmonic vocabulary presents challenges to the performers. Chromatic mastery of the instrument is a must for soloist and accompanist. Range for tenor trombone is D to d2, utilizing tenor and bass clef. Range for bass trombone/tuba is BB-flat to e1, all in bass clef. The parts are clearly marked with articulations and dynamics. In my working part, I have marked the rips and bracketed some of the triplets, minor issues in an otherwise clean and easy-to-read score. This is advanced material for soloist and collaborator, well worth the effort. Refer to “Waltzes from Der Rosenkavalier” on Google for many great orchestral reference recordings, and click on the PDF Der Rosenkavalier Suite for excellent notes by Phillip Huscher.

-Jim Sparrow
Mars Hill University
Asheville Symphony Orchestra