Review

C. Hubert H. Parry
Jerusalem: And Did Those Feet in Ancient Times:

Arranged by Keith Terrett


Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2011
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones

In England, Parry’s ‘Jerusalem’ is something of a national institution. It’s sung at the Last Night of the London Proms and at meetings of the Women’s Institutes. It’s a stirring call for social justice; this well-written arrangement for alto, 3 tenors and bass trombone may look a bit like a fanfare, but it’s not. There are two verses, both in the key of b-flat. In the first verse, the alto trombone plays most of the main melody; 1st tenor takes it in the 5th and 6th lines. The tune is divided between the 3 upper parts in the second verse. The lower parts have movement and interest throughout. Especially for those who enjoy playing alto, this will be a welcome addition to the repertoire. Ranges: 1st (alto) b-flat-eflat2, 2nd (tenor) f-c2, 5th (bass) BBflat-c. The tempo indication is ‘Slowly, but with movement at quarter=72, playing time is about 1:50.

Keith Terrett is a former British military bandsman, and is currently Director of Music at Pathways World School in Aravali, India.

-Keith Davies Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada