Review

Giovanni Gabrieli
Canzona Septimi e Octavi Toni a 12:

Arranged by Ross Walter and Mark LaFratta

3 altos, 6 tenors, 3 basses

Coventry, , United Kingdom
Publisher: Warwick Music Publishers
Date of Publication: 2011
URL: http://www.warwickmusic.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 9+ trombones (choir)

The work comes from Sacrae Symphoniae of 1597, scored for three choirs of violin, cornett, two sackbuts and organ. In this transcription, each 4-part choir comprises alto, two tenors and one bass trombone. This is one of Gabrieli’s grandest creations, given an impressive sonority in this well-crafted arrangement. It begins forte with a chord of B-flat major spread over three octaves. There follows a remarkable wealth of invention and rhythmic vitality. From measure 2, syncopated eighth notes and then sixteenths appear in each first part. Bass trombone parts feature 32nd notes in measures 20 & 21. There is a short section in triple meter. The piece ends as it began, on the same B-flat chord. Level of interest and difficulty is approximately the same in each choir. Overall range comprises AA-c2.  Dynamics are carefully placed to provide effective contrast and aural separation between the three groups and clarity in antiphonal effects, which will also be enhanced by the use of alto trombone on first parts. Tempo markings are consistent with current period instrument practice. Substitute parts in tenor clef are provided for the alto trombone parts. Ross Walter is Associate Professor of trombone at Virginia Commonwealth University; Mark LaFratta is a trombonist and member of the Virginia Bar.

-Keith Davies Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada