Review

Luigi Cherubini
Sonata No.2:

Arranged by Mike Forbes


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

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Cherubini (1760-1842) was a noted composer during his lifetime, having enjoyed success in Italy, Paris and Vienna. History has not been kind to him; today he is regarded as a minor figure in relation to the masters of that period. Only a few of his works receive occasional performances. Sonata No.2 is originally for natural horn and strings and includes two contrasting movements, Largo and Allegro moderato, that are performed attacca. Interspersed are several cadenza-like passages. The sonata is subtitled Concert Etude, implying that it is also a study in technique. It is indeed replete with numerous fast scale-like passages and arpeggios. Although range demands are moderate, technically this work is challenging.
 
The arrangement is fairly straightforward, staying for the most part with Cherubini’s original horn part. The biggest adjustment is a change of keys from the original F down to B-flat. Musically there is not the melodic, harmonic or rhythmic inspiration you would find in the works of one of Cherubini’s contemporaries such as Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven or Schubert. A performer looking for a technical challenge will find this enjoyable to practice. The piano part is easy.

Mike Forbes is an excellent tuba player with numerous recordings, teaching credentials and performance credits to his name. He serves as a low brass specialist for Kendor Music and as a middle and high school band and orchestra composer for Carl Fischer and FJH Music publishing companies. His many compositions and arrangements are featured on his website: www.eBrassMusic.com.

-Karl Hinterbichler
University of New Mexico