Review

Camille Saint-Saens
Romance Op.36:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2009
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Piano score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

This is an excellent transcription of a classic horn solo. Set in E-flat major, down a step from the original, the piece is in ABA form and ranges up to b-flat1. Sauer provides thoughtful phrasing, dynamics, and breath marks that make the simple but heartfelt melody even more accessible. While lacking the drama and intensity of other one- movement horn transcriptions for trombone such as Nocturno Op.7 by Franz Strauss, Romance is a Bordogni-like work that will work well as a period recital piece. The solo is in given in tenor clef. A version for tuba or bass trombone is also available. Set in F major, the piece can be performed without a 4th valve or F-attachment.

-Joel Elias
Sacramento State University