Review

Johannes Brahms
Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen from Chorale Preludes, Op.122: for brass quartet

Arranged by John Jay Hilfiger


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

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 4 brass

This well-known hymn first appeared in the 16th century and has been used in both Catholic and Protestant settings. It was the basis of a chorale prelude for organ by Brahms. This setting is serviceable, if a bit lacking in editorial markings. A lone piano dynamic at the beginning is the only indication of volume, although some crescendo and decrescendo markings are included. The melody is distributed among the top three parts. Tessitura is a bit low, with B-flat trumpet 1 barely getting above the staff, and the second trumpet lurking beneath the staff. Substitute horn parts are available for trumpet 2 and trombone 1.

-Joel Elias
California State University at Sacramento and Fresno