Review

Various
25 Christmas Carol Favorites :

Arranged by David Mathie


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

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

David Mathie arranged a charming collection of twenty-five popular Christmas carols for trombone quartet. At the request of his college Dean for a short trombone sing-a-long during the intermission of a holiday concert, the Boise State University Trombone Choir was the first to perform 25 Christmas Carol Favorites. These arrangements are in traditional hymnal style, in easily played keys and bass clef. The range of this work requires a strong first trombonist(s) who is able to play up to b-flat1. Although a bass trombonist is not required to perform the fourth part, the fourth trombonist(s) must have an f-attachment as the range goes down to BB-flat. The middle voices are easily playable by high school level trombonists. This publication is versatile, suitable for high school through professional level trombonists. The carols include repeated stanzas, a convenient addition that may not be found in some traditional carol books. This arrangement is appropriate for many public performance settings and the traditional harmony works well for sing-a-longs.

-Thomas Macaluso
University Of Louisville