Review


Johann Sebastian Bach
Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer

Eight trombones

Vancouver, BC, , Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2017
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts. Grade 5.

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones

This is an excellent arrangement of this iconic organ work by J.S. Bach in the original key. The arrangement could be done with eight trombones or a larger trombone choir. The arranger does a great job of dovetailing and trading the technical passages and arpeggios between several parts to make the passages more manageable and give all players some rest, though this will require rehearsal and coordination to have the right effect. Ranges are fairly reasonable in all parts spanning DD-d2. The technical nature of the passages demands strong players on all parts and the bass trombone parts are best played on bass trombone. The arranger uses mutes to simulate organ registrations and impart nice color contrast. This is a difficult but well-conceived arrangement, a tour de force show stopper for a trombone choir concert and a rewarding challenge for any trombone choir.

Reviewer: Timothy Howe
Review Published June 13, 2023