Review

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Andante cantabile from String Quartet No.1 in D Op.11: for solo trombone and five-part trombone ensemble

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

Score and parts.

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with brass
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 6 trombones

This arrangement is a wonderful opportunity for trombonists to explore the string music of Tchaikovsky. The arranger writes the following in the program notes: “Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) composed his String Quartet No.1 in D Op.11, in 1871. Countless arrangements of its second movement, Andante cantabile, have been made, but it was not discovered until after his death that he, too, had arranged this movement in 1888, his version being for solo cello and strings. In this version, Tchaikovsky transposed the movement, originally in the key of B-flat Major, up to B Major. The singing melody is based on a popular Russian folk song, and it lends itself quite well for performance on trombones.”
 
The range of the trombone ensemble parts span from FF-sharp to c-sharp2, with three parts designated as tenor trombone parts and the other two as bass trombone parts, although only one part requires a true bass trombone. The trombone ensemble’s role is largely accompanimental, but it is afforded notable moments of independence, such as the recurring echoes of the melody. The second bass trombone part presents simple yet sensitive bass lines descending to FF-sharp.
 
The range of the solo part is B to f-sharp2. It mimics the solo cello part almost exactly, aside from an octave substitution to avoid b2. The solo lends itself to the trombone extremely well, with many expressive opportunities. This part is ideal for a professional to play with a small, college-level trombone ensemble. It doesn’t necessarily need a conductor but one would help maintain unity throughout the piece.
 
The arranger has preserved the original expressive elements found in the string score, such as the inclusion of the dynamic pianissississimo, which is reminiscent of Tchaikovsky’s symphonic writing. Trombonists will welcome the challenge to achieve similar tender and delicate expression on their own instruments.

-Sarah Paradis
Boise State University