Review

Arthur Pryor
Blue Bells of Scotland:

Arranged by Wesley A. Ballenger, III


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

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with brass
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones

The most popular and lasting solo trombone piece by Arthur Pryor is surely Blue Bells of Scotland. The melody is a Scottish folk tune, originally published by Dorothea Jordan in 1801. Pryor wrote his variations for trombone solo around 1899 for performance with the Sousa Band. Since that time, his accompaniment has been arranged for brass band, orchestra, piano, brass quartet, trombone octet, and now trombone quartet.
 
The solo part in this arrangement is nearly identical to the one published by Carl Fischer with piano accompaniment, with a few exceptions: there are no position numbers above notes; there are cautionary accidentals in the second variation; the third variation repeat is written out; and the overall layout facilitates easier reading. There are also substantial differences between Ballenger’s version and Fischer’s, including the addition of a high f2 in the penultimate measure. Students of the solo would be wise to study both editions, listen to Pryor’s recordings (Crystal Records CD451) and make informed choices where appropriate.
 
The quartet parts are a fairly faithful transcription of the piano score by Fischer. As with all solo features of the late 19th century, the most difficult part of the accompaniment will be timing, both internally and with the soloist. The first part is by far the most taxing, requiring several c2s and two optional f2s, but the second part also requires one c2. The third part remains largely within the range of A-f1, with a single low F, while the bass trombone part descends frequently to C, with two instances of FF. The arrangement should be approachable for an advanced undergraduate level trombone quartet and soloist.

-Chuck Wilson
Boston, MA