Review

Giovanni Gabrieli
Jubilate Deo: “Sing Out to the Lord” 1597:

Arranged by David Mathie

4,0,4,0

Montrose, CA, United States
Publisher: Balquhidder Music
Date of Publication: 2008
URL: http://www.balquhiddermusic.com

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 6+ brass (choir)

Jubilate Deo represents yet another of David Mathie’s outstanding brass transcriptions. It was taken from Gabrieli’s most famous publication, Sacrae Symphoniae of 1597, originally set for pairs of soprano, contra-alto, tenor and bass voices. Scored for four b-flat trumpets and four trombones with substitute f horn parts for trombones 1 and 2, Dr. Mathie provides slurs found in the text and also includes dynamic markings implied by the text and texture. Breath marks indicate sound phrasing; no other articulation marks are given. Trumpet 1 tessitura resides in the top of the staff and extends to written a2 several times; trombone 1 mirrors this at the octave. Trombone 4 bottoms out at B-flat and can easily be played on a tenor trombone with no f-attachment. Parts are beautifully engraved on facing pages with measure numbers at the beginning of each line and rehearsal letters at important sectional moments. The score is spiral bound and biographical information is given for Gabrieli, Mathie and the piece itself, all welcome features. 

This transcription is ready to play. Faithfully read, it will yield a genuine Renaissance wind experience for both performers and audience. As one might expect, this is music of great beauty that transcribes perfectly for trumpets and trombones. Dr. Mathie currently serves on the Boise State University faculty and performs in the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra. 

-Mike Hall
Old Dominion University