Review

Charles Gounod
Sanctus from St. Cecilia Mass:

Arranged by Gary Bricault

five trombones and organ

Orlando, FL, United States
Publisher: Wehr's Music House
Date of Publication: 2007
URL: http://www.wehrs-music-house.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones
Secondary Genre: Chamber Music

Gounod’s reputation rests on just a handful of works that are still in the standard repertoire today, including the operas Faust and Romeo and Juliet. He was also a prolific composer of sacred music, including thirteen settings of the mass. Of these only the Saint Cecilia Mass, premiered in 1855, still receives regular performances today. The Sanctus is scored for tenor solo, chorus and orchestra. It is music in the grand romantic tradition, with interesting harmonies and a wide dynamic range. The arranger, Gary Bricault, was trained as and currently works as an engineer. Composing and arranging have been a serious avocation in his life as he has had numerous works published in a wide variety of media. In this arrangement, the Sanctus is transposed from the original key of F to B-flat.  The top trombone part, scored for alto, takes the tenor solos. The other four trombone parts, 2 tenor, 2 bass, take the choral parts and the organ the orchestral accompaniment.  If no alto trombone is available that part could be played on tenor as the range is not unreasonable. The arrangement works well and will serve as a welcome addition to a trombone choir concert or church service.

-Karl Hinterbichler     
University of New Mexico