Review

Zsolt Gardonyi
Calvin Suite :

Salzgitter, , Germany
Publisher: Ostinato-musikverlag
Date of Publication: 2009

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones

The Geneva Psalter, also referred to as the Huguenot Psalter, is a 16th century collection of the Book of Psalms, which was used by reformed church congregations to participate in the singing of Psalms. Its texts were rendered in the vernacular and set to newly composed melodies for the expressed purpose of inclusion in reformed church worship services. Zsolt Gardonyi’s Calvin Suite is a selection of five psalters assembled from the collection and arranged for trombone quintet. Limited psalter melodies are widely familiar outside reformed congregations; the psalter melodies included in this publication are both interesting and captivating. Gardonyi indicates in the preface a desire to compose more colorful settings to the “inspired melodies” from the Huguenot psalter. The harmonic structure of the arrangements is neither as busy nor intricate as Bach’s contrapuntal chorale settings, but the independent motion of the parts contribute to increased interest over a purely homophonic setting. Metric variations inherent in the prosaic meter of the texts create both musical interest and a slight technical challenge for individuals unfamiliar with performing melodies of this sort. First trombone range is not extreme and should be within the abilities of trombonists with a secure high-register, f to c2; its tessitura remains in the upper portion of this range. Both the first and second trombone parts are written in tenor clef. The fifth part requires an F-attachment for a few E-flats and Cs, but use of a bass trombone should be preferred over the option of tenor/bass. These arrangements were composed for the Slide-O-Five trombone quintet during the celebration year of John Calvin’s 500th birthday. The publication is a practical and welcome addition to repertoire appropriate for use in church settings.

-Kevin Chiarizzio
Liberty University