Review

Georges Bizet
Intermezzo & Farandole: (from L’Arlésienne)

Arranged by Ralph Sauer

tenor trombone and piano

Vancouver, BC, , Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2015
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

With this arrangement, Ralph Sauer continues adding to the large number of classical works he has arranged for trombone in the Cherry Classics Music catalog. With its expansive opening and closing theme, and its operatic melody, the Intermezzo provides an opportunity for a wide range of expression and is particularly suited to the trombone. It does not present any difficult technical or range (G-a1) challenges. The Farandole presents both technical and interpretive challenges. Passages of sixteenth notes and sixteenth triplets will require diligent practice for musical execution. Its overall tessitura is not demanding, and there are regular measures of rest throughout. The ending extends to d2, but optional cues an octave lower are included for that passage. It is fun to play these melodies by Bizet on trombone and audiences will connect with their familiarity. Either movement can stand alone; the Intermezzo in particular will make a nice recital closer or encore.