Review

Johannes Brahms
O Heiland, reiss’ die Himmel auf Op.74, No. 2:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2010
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

O Heiland, reiss’ die Himmel auf  (1863-4) is a highly contrapuntal motet for unaccompanied chorale, and a popular selection for church services during Advent. The five verses of the text receive quite different treatments by Brahms, each at its own tempo. Ralph Sauer’s transcription places this work in keys and time signatures that are easier for the typical trombone choir to handle. Helpful cues are given along with clear dynamics and articulations. Range demands are reasonable: e-c2 in the first part and C (or AA)-g in bass trombone. Recordings of choral performances of this piece should be consulted before reading it. There are only general tempo markings in Brahms’ score, and this arrangement eliminates the original separation between verses. The different, slower tempos usually taken for the second and third verses are not notated, and will be necessary for a successful presentation. Also, choirs tend to sing this piece at slightly slower tempos than the ones Brahms indicated. It is a beautiful work, reflecting Brahms’ complete mastery of contrapuntal technique as well as his command of historic styles; Sauer’s arrangement does it justice.

-Chris Buckholz
University of Northern Iowa