Review

Vittorio Monti
Czardas:

Arranged by Andrew Heading


Louisville, KY, United States
Publisher: Potenza Music Publishing
Date of Publication: 2013
URL: http://www.potenzamusic.com

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 3 trombones

Czardas was written by the Italian composer Monti in 1904 as a solo vehicle for violin. Based on Hungarian folk music, it is arranged here by Australian trombonist Andrew Heading who transfers the solo material to the bass voice. He writes, with tongue planted firmly in cheek that, "it should have been written for the tuba." Also playable by bass trombone, the original tonality, d, and numerous tempo changes have been maintained. The section in the original version calling for violin harmonics that yield pitches two octaves higher than written could be problematic for the soloist. As an alternative, Heading suggests this section could be played "at the bottom of your range." In addition, all the pitch bending that is possible, if not required, on violin, may be difficult to negotiate. 
 
Czardas has never gone out of fashion. It has been featured in movies, as accompaniment for ice-skating routines, and lately, in presentations by Lady Gaga and Louis C.K. This version for three trombones and bass trombone/tuba is well-suited for a virtuoso bass soloist.

-Joel Elias
California State University, Fresno and Sacramento