Review

Henry Purcell
Suite:

Arranged by Sonny Ausman


Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2001
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

This suite of Purcell’s music is in six movements with varying tempos. Movement I [g minor] begins in a classic French overture format, slow four with dotted notes. It moves after 15 measures into a 3/4 meter Allegro with contrapuntal entrances in all parts. At the end, it reverts to the slow style of the opening. Movement II [d minor] is a minuet with wide intervals in the first part. Movement III [B-flat] is marked Andantino Dolce Etenero. I believe this is a typographical error – perhaps it should be Andantino dolce e tenero (tender). This movement is quite slow and smooth. Movement IV [g minor] is Allegro giocoso, with considerable activity in the bass trombone part. Movement V is the famous “Lament” from Dido and Aeneas and is presented in two formats, for four and for five trombones. The outer parts are the same in both versions; the inner parts are modified to suit a fuller harmonic realization. The melodic part is primarily in first trombone and has many ornaments smoothed out; an ambitious player on first trombone can look this melody up and find many interesting ornaments to liven up the playing. Movement VI [d minor] is an Allegro familiar to many players from its brass quintet version. Originally it was part of the Overture to Purcell’s opera King Arthur.

This music is playable by an advanced high school trombone quartet, making demands on the first player to successfully play a number of c2s. This part also requires a good mastery of legato style. The fourth part extends to C, needing the F attachment. An enjoyable piece, not too demanding, but presenting young players with a style of music many have not yet encountered.

-Philip Brink
Mahidol University College of Music