Review

Giacomo Puccini
Nessun Dorma: from Turandot

Arranged by Wes Ballenger

solo trombone, four trombones, optional timpani

Vancouver, BC, , Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2016
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts. Grade 3/4.

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with brass
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones

One of the most famous arias from the operatic repertoire, Nessun Dorma from Puccini’s opera Turandot, is expertly arranged here for trombone choir. The arpeggio figures throughout the accompaniment provide support for the soloist and give the work a sense of motion. There is an optional timpani part at the end of this arrangement for added color and climax. The final, triumphant triple-forte chord is sure to send chills up and down your spine. The parts are all in bass clef and are neat and easy to read. Range extends from BB-flat in the bass trombone, up to d2 for the first trombone player. The publisher has inserted the original Italian text below the solo trombone line, which I find helpful because they allow the players to mimic the various language articulations of each phrase. As is the case with many arrangements of famous arias for trombone ensemble, the accompanimental parts can easily cover the solo trombone line and this arrangement is no exception. Nessun Dorma will work great as an exercise in soft playing, having the players rotate to practice playing pianissimo in the various registers of the instrument. All and all, this is a most welcome addition to the existing collection of operatic repertoire for trombone ensemble!