Review

Luigi Denza
Funiculí, Funiculá :

Arranged by James Christensen


Delevan, NY, United States
Publisher: Kendor Music
Date of Publication: 2010
URL: http://www.kendormusic.com

Primary Genre: Elementary Material - solo
Secondary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

James Christensen had a long career as music director with Disneyland and Walt Disney World. In his arrangement of Funiculí, Funiculá, he takes the approach that music for trombone must have glissandi. Ranging from c to f1, this traditional Neapolitan song should be playable by students with two or three years of experience. Written in 6/8, the piece begins in B-flat and modulates to E-flat. Kendor Music lists it as a Grade 3+ solo. While not particularly substantial, this arrangement of Funiculí, Funiculá might serve as a suitable encore piece for a young student performing on a studio recital or as a demonstration piece targeted at young audiences.

-Donn Schaefer
University of Utah