Review

Joseph Bodin de Boismortier
Sonate:

Arranged by Ernest Miller


Newton, IA, United States
Publisher: TAP Music Sales
Date of Publication: 1988

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 2 trombones

This delightful Baroque sonata was originally written in 1732 as the first of six sonatas in Boismortier’s Opus 40 set for two bassoons. Mr. Miller transposed the piece from its original D minor to F minor to facilitate the range of the trombone, making F the lowest pitch. As a direct transcription, the contrapuntal structure of Boismortier’s composition is retained.

Sonate is divided into four movements replete with imitative passages and flowing counterpoint. The first movement is a duple Allegro followed by a Vivace in triple meter. The third movement is the sole slow movement, an Adagio in duple meter. The fourth is an Allegro in a triple-meter. Strictly tonal harmonies are outlined by frequent leaps and arpeggiations. This is especially true in the second trombone part, which is effectively acting as the bass instrument for the ensemble. At the same time, there are more linear and scalar passages that afford variety within each movement.

Although a few select marks are placed, Mr. Miller does not detract from the piece by imposing needless editorial additions. Mordents and trills, which are found in all but the first movement, are retained from the original composition. No other elements of affect are editorially added, giving the freedom to the performer to insert as appropriate. Although true to the source material, the performers may elect to not repeat sections as a means of shortening the performance time. Should the repeats be retained, they afford ample opportunity to add ornamentation and other forms of affect. The affect choices, lengthy phrases, and extensive leaping appeal to virtuosic programming. The transcription should have appeal to both those with and without experience working in the Baroque style.

-Andrew Farina
Detroit, MI