Review

Ernest Chausson
Quelques Danses Op.26 :

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2013
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

This is another fine arrangement from the prolific pen of Ralph Sauer, who has 260 publications available for purchase on the Cherry Classics website at the time of this review. Originally written in 1896 for solo piano, this four-movement piece is a welcome addition to the French Romantic trombone repertoire.
 
The range of the trombone part is well-suited to the repertoire, reaching to d2 several times in the last movement, but only descending to A. If the performer is inclined to perform French Romantic music on a small-bore instrument, this piece will work well for that, although there are a few eighth-note passages in the lower range that may benefit from the availability of an f-attachment.
 
As with many French works from this era, the solo includes extended syncopated sections, pentatonic scales, frequent modulations, tempo fluctuations and dynamic contrasts. Some dynamic markings have been increased and expressive markings have been elaborated for this edition; modern trombonists will appreciate the adjustments.
 
If the performer is already familiar with the French Romantic style, Quelques Danses will be full of familiar affect and technique. The piano part is challenging in the last movement, with an eighth-note surface motion at dotted half note = 60. This arrangement is suitable for an advanced undergraduate or master's level recital.

-Chuck Wilson
Boston, MA