Review

Carlo Rossi
12 Capricci: edited for trombone or euphonium

Arranged by Antonio Sicoli


Halberstadt, , Germany
Publisher: Musikverlag Bruno
Date of Publication: 2012

Primary Genre: Study Material - etude

The 12 Capricci are a set of extremely challenging concert etudes in the Italian Romantic style. They are noteworthy in part because they are not transcriptions. First published in Milan around 1851 by the now forgotten Italian composer Carlo Rossi, they were apparently composed specifically for trombone or euphonium. Italian trombonist Antonio Sicoli has resurrected the collection and deftly edited them for Bruno Uetz. 

These pieces are reminiscent of the Arban Characteristic Studies or the Kopprasch Etudes, but even more technically challenging and I think more musically fulfilling. Like Arban, they will be more easily performed on a valve instrument, and pose a significant extra challenge for the trombone player. Rossi employs virtually every conceivable technical challenge: rapid scales, arpeggios, chromatic triplets, and acrobatic leaps. The performer will need an advanced mastery of multiple tonguing to negotiate some of the passages; doodle tonguing might be the best option for some of the lines. Firmly rooted in 19th century tonality, the etudes span a range from BB-flat to c2 and keys from G-flat major to E major.

Each Capriccio is two pages long—three to four minutes of hair-raising adventure. They are recital worthy repertoire for the adventurous performer. The rest of us can give our current etudes a break and enjoy incorporating a new set of challenging and engaging compositions into our practice regimen. 

-Paul Overly
Bob Jones University