Review

Traditional/Robert Lucas de Pearsall
In dulci jubilo:

Arranged by Lisa Albrecht


Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2007
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

Choral transcriptions often provide fantastic musical moments for the trombone ensemble. A prime example is Lisa Albrecht’s arrangement of the traditional Christmas carol, “In dulci jubilo.” This piece, also known as “Good Christian Men Rejoice,” has German origins leading back to the 13th century. In 1834, Robert Lucas de Pearsall gave the work a fantastic choral setting with beautiful harmonies, reflective of the work’s medieval origins. It is Pearsall’s arrangement of the work that Albrecht has set for trombone quartet. Besides transposing the work into a more trombone-friendly range, it is essentially the same as the Pearsall version. 

The piece works well for any college trombone quartet and can easily work for a larger ensemble with parts doubled or even tripled. Programming consideration of the piece is imperative, as the first part remains in the c1-a1 range for much of the work with little rest. The combined range of all parts is C-c2. The first trombone part is the only one written in tenor clef. It is written in 3/2 meter with the dotted-whole note receiving the beat. This may temporarily distract younger players. These minor points aside, it is a beautiful arrangement that begs to be performed outside the holiday season. Lisa Albrecht is the Second Trombonist of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

-Cory Mixdorf
University of Arkansas