Review

Felix Mendelssohn
Suite in Four Movements:

Arranged by Kim Ohlemeyer


Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2013
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

This suite is taken from two of the eight books comprising Felix Mendelssohn’s Lieder ohne Worte, originally conceived for keyboard. Movement 1 is No.5 in Book 7, Op.85, published a few years before Mendelssohn’s death. Movements 2, 3 and 4 are Nos. 3, 6 and 5 respectively from Book 8, Op.102, published posthumously. Kim Ohlemeyer has compiled them into a single arrangement for trombone quartet. Only the second and third movements are transposed, allowing the range of the entire set to lie between FF and c-sharp2. Yet, the new progression of keys—through A major, F major, and A-flat major—is not disruptive in context.
 
The first movement offers a mix of fanfare and lyrical musings that brilliantly open the set. The second movement is a transposition of the lively, spirited dance that strongly invokes the traditional folk dances found throughout the southern Italian peninsula. It should remain light but somewhat frenetic. The third movement provides contrast to the others by offering the most lyricism while retaining areas of internal contrast. The final movement is a light, joyous affair that stands as a pleasing finale to the set.
 
The four movements are more Classical in nature than Romantic with even four-bar phrases, stable tonal centers, and melodies not designed for singing. True to this tradition, Mr. Ohlemeyer’s worthy scoring mimics high Classical string quartets. Although programmatic titles appear in the score for each movement, these traditional names were developed after Mendelssohn’s death. The composer himself never named these four pieces or offered insight into their intent. Thus, performers are free to add their own unique programmatic interpretation.

-Andrew Farina
Detroit, MI