Review

Giovanni Battista Buonamente
Sonata :

Arranged by Kevin Henry


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Publisher: Wehr's Music House
Date of Publication: 2009
URL: http://www.wehrs-music-house.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones

Buonamente (c.1595-1642), a Franciscan friar and violin virtuoso, held prestigious positions in Vienna, Prague, Italy and was an influential figure in development of early Baroque style and the trio sonata form. Unfortunately, many of his compositions were lost. His surviving works include 23 sonatas. No indication is given in this edition as to the nature of the original piece from which the transcription is taken. It is one of two sonate à 6 from Il sesto libro di sonate e canzoni published in Venice in 1636 scored for two cornetts, four sackbuts and continuo (theorbo). Three of the thirteen sonatas in this volume include trombones.  

Giovanni Gabrieli is an obvious influence, but this sonata shows a significant stylistic development, technically and harmonically, from the earlier master. It is a lively and colourful work, opening with a sharply defined rhythmic tutti which alternates with sections of imitative counterpoint, echo effects and contrasting textures, and a characteristic section in triple meter. It is here effectively adapted for double trombone quartet and is of moderate difficulty. Range for first parts tops out at b-flat1. This piece should be a popular addition to the repertoire. Parts are well produced and clearly printed. Kevin Henry is trombone professor at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA.

-Keith Davies Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada