Review

Sergei Rachmaninoff
Fantasy Piece Op.3, No.3:

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

Ralph Sauer’s transcription of Fantasy Piece Op.3, No.3 for solo trombone and piano is another great addition to the trombone repertoire and is available from Cherry Classics.  The work is the third of five short works originally written for solo piano, collectively titled Morceau de Fantasie. The Prelude in C-sharp minor is the most well know of this collection. Mr. Sauer gives the majority of the melodic material to trombone and stays true to the 1892 original version. The transcription is accessible for the younger advanced player and above. Range extends from E to a1. The key of E major and the liberal use of chromatic passages in the work will prove challenging for the younger player. There is also the beginning entrance, which can be difficult to place since the piano begins on the second triplet of the beat. Good collaboration between trombonist and pianist is essential.  The triple against duple rhythms between piano and trombone also challenge, as well as the rubato nature of the piece. In Rachmaninoff’s 1919 recording of the work, he takes many liberties with tempo fluctuations to bring about this rubato nature. I feel the work can be played with little rubato or as much as the performer desires, and the piece will still be a wonderful lyrical addition to any recital. 

-William P. Mann
Morehead State University