Review

Traditional
Three French Carols for Three Trombones:

Arranged by Wesley Hanson


Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2005
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 3 trombones

This is a well thought-out arrangement of the carols Shepherds, Shake Off Your Drowsy Sleep, The Holly and The Ivy, and Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella.  Ranges encompass e to c2 in the trombone 1 part, A-flat to g1 in trombone 2, and E-flat to g1 in trombone 3. With the exception of the 5/4 meter in Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella, there is little in this arrangement that a good trio of high school students couldn’t handle. A professional trio might not want to sight read this one on the gig because of the tempo and meter changes, but could easily put it together in a couple of run-throughs. Harmonies are excellent and the parts are correct—no real need for editing on the part of the performers. Dynamics are well-marked and logical. Really, the only criticism that could be leveled against this arrangement is the short length of the carols and the lack of development they receive. Taking the optional repeats helps, but this simply adds playing time without variation. However, this is an enjoyable arrangement and certainly worth ordering.

-Chris Buckholz
 University of Northern Iowa