Review

Johann Sebastian Bach
Bach for Trombone:

Arranged by Frank J. Halferty


Delevan, NY, United States
Publisher: Kendor Music
Date of Publication: 2012
URL: http://www.kendormusic.com

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

This collection contains three Bach melodies arranged for solo trombone and piano.  Air on the G String is in 4/4 meter at a marked tempo of mm=69. It is in the key of F major and covers a range from c to e-flat1. March from Anna Magdalena's Notebook is also in F major and covers a range of G to f1, in 2/2 meter at mm=60 for the half note. This selection is much more technically difficult with many extended diatonic 8th note runs and 6-1 position shifts (unless the performer has an f-attachment). Gladly Will I Take My Portion, Aria from St. Matthew Passion is in g minor and 3/8 meter at a tempo of eighth note=120 and covers a range from G to e-flat1. While there are not as many rapid scale passages in this selection, there are more leaps, up to a minor 7th, and more accidentals than the others in this collection.  

All three of the pieces are thoroughly marked with dynamic and expression markings. The piano accompaniment is fairly easy. This collection is quite good for developing legato playing and expressiveness, playable by a good junior-high level student.

-Frank Gazda
Delaware State University