Review

Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Four Pieces Op.40 : for trombone and piano

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2012
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Tchaikovsky composed his Opus 40 for piano in 1878. Mr. Sauer arranged four of its twelve movements for this set. Each movement offers a unique meter and character, giving the performer an opportunity to showcase a variety of contrasting musical styles.
 
An approachable work for advanced players, Four Pieces is written almost entirely in tenor clef, with only a few drops to bass clef. A range from g to b-flat1 renders this work accessible to most college students. The first movement, the lyrical Chanson triste, is perhaps the most recognizable and is often heard arranged for cello. As one might imagine, the second movement, entitled Valse, is a lilting waltz in triple meter. The third movement, Rêverie interrompue, begins quite pianistically before introducing a second half based on the tune of a Venetian street singer. The fourth movement, Danse russe, originates from the familiar ballet number of the same name in Swan Lake. It is the most demanding of the four movements, requiring confident control of flexibility and technique in the key of B-flat minor.
 
Tchaikovsky lovers rejoice! You now have a solo piece to program for your next recital, and with an approximate length of 14 minutes, Four Pieces can prove a substantial addition. This arrangement elegantly and adeptly scores Tchaikovsky’s original piano music for trombone, providing us an opportunity to play some of the most beautiful music composed by the Russian master.

-Philip Martinson
Saint Leo University