Review

Leoš Janáček
15 Moravian Folk Songs:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2012
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Piano score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Janáček wrote these pieces in 1921; he had just completed his tragic 6th opera, Kátya Kabanová. They are notable for their aphoristic brevity. The most extended is 18 measures long, the shortest only 5. Their apparent simplicity is deceptive; one senses that the mood of this cycle reflects that of the composer at the time. They were written for piano; lyrics in Moravian dialect were written in the score, most likely as a guide to interpretation, with no indication that they were to be sung.  

In this ingenious transcription some repeats have been added. Dynamics have been adjusted appropriately and all articulations in the trombone part are editorial. Text is not included. Overall range is A to g1 but range in individual selections is seldom more than an octave and often less. Though not technically challenging, these pieces need a finely nuanced performance calling for a high level of musicianship.

The first song tells of the Gypsy life. In the 4th measure, trombone begins its second phrase playing d against e and d-sharp in the piano part, and in the final measure has e against the piano’s d. The composer wants to go somewhere else, but feels trapped. The final selection, a relatively cheerful Allegretto, evokes the sweet smell of ripening fruit. It ends on a C major chord, but spreads over three octaves. The fruit is out of his reach.

Janáček did not write anything for solo trombone. We must be grateful to Mr. Sauer for finding these fascinating pieces that seem to me to have a natural expression on our instrument.

-Keith Davies Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada