Review

Johann Sebastian Bach
The Best of Bach, Vol.1:

Arranged by Aline Nistad and Jan Fredrik Christiansen

trumpet and trombone

Oslo, , Norway
Publisher: Norsk Musikforlag
Date of Publication: 2013

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 2 brass

This set of 18 duets taken from the keyboard music of Bach and arranged for trumpet and trombone includes selections from the Six Little Preludes for Beginners, English Suite, Little Clavier Book for Wilhelm Friedemann Bach and the Well-Tempered Clavier. In the preface the arrangers state the following:
Why should two old orchestral brass players keep looking for music that will inspire them to work harder towards developing their chamber music skills? Playing together on the highest possible level is a never-ending process, much like developing any aspect of brass playing; you never reach a final goal! The more you learn, the more possibilities you see ahead and this is the key to staying interested. One major problem might be the repertoire we have to choose from – and here is the main reason why we have been searching in Bach’s compositions. Where else can you find music that stays interesting after years of practicing and performing? We find this music entertaining, stimulating and educational to such a degree that we would like to share it with other brass players and hopefully spread the enthusiasm that we feel.

The Best of Bach, Vol.1 is the third in a continuing series of duet arrangements for trumpet and trombone that Nistad and Christiansen have produced in collaboration. Included with the music is a compact disc, where the arrangers expertly perform eight of the duets.

Aline Nistad is the principal trombonist in the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra and associate professor at the Norwegian Academy of Music. She appears frequently as soloist and does seminars and workshops in Norway and abroad. She is also principal trombonist of the Oslo Sinfonietta – an ensemble dedicated to performing and recording contemporary music. Jan Fredrik Christiansen is a professor at the Norwegian Academy of Music and pursues an active career as a performer and teacher in Norway and abroad. He is a member of the Oslo Sinfonietta and was principal trumpet of the Oslo Philharmonic from 1973 until 2007, appearing as soloist with the orchestra on a number of occasions. Range and technical demands of these duos are of a nature that advanced students can perform them, with the trombone part occasionally dipping down into the trigger range. Printing, paper and legibility are first rate. The quality of the music makes this a pure joy to practice and perform.

-Karl Hinterbichler
University of New Mexico