Review

Sergey Prokofiev
Tales of an Old Grandmother Op.31:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2011
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Originally a piano solo in four movements, Tales of an Old Grandmother was composed in 1918 during Prokofiev's self-imposed exile from Russia following the Russian revolution. Somewhat ambiguous in tonality, the work is restless and nostalgic. While Tales may not translate into the solo trombone piece Prokofiev always meant to write but never got around to composing, the music is convincingly arranged by Sauer. Most of the solo part is accessible to a moderately advanced player. However, there are challenges in range, c to c-sharp2, rhythm, numerous quintuplets and legato playing. In addition, the solo part does not exceed the mezzo forte level, as the trombonist needs to blend into the piano fabric as much as is possible. This piece provides an early 20th century work of substance to the trombone solo literature.

-Joel Elias
California State University, Fresno and Sacramento