Review

Léo Delibes
Flower Duet: from Lakme
two tenor trombones, bass trombone, euphonium, and tuba

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, United States
Publisher: Caputo Music
Date of Publication: 2013
URL: http://www.caputomusic.com

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones

I am unconvinced that Lakshmi and Mallika’s duet really works conceptually on low brass, any more than the wolf was ever really credible as Grandma. However, this is a well laid-out arrangement that should be within the capabilities of a good student ensemble, for whom it is presumably intended, and will certainly challenge their musical sensibilities. The first part goes up to b-flat1 with ossia b-flat; second tops out at g1 with ossia g. Neither part has any really awkward intervals to negotiate. Tessitura of the first trombone part (range e-flat to b-flat1) lies mostly above the staff in bass clef and in my opinion would be better presented in tenor clef. Bass trombone range is F–f1 and its part presents no great difficulties. Unfortunately, the score has not been produced to professional standards; there are multiple collisions and misplaced dynamics. Dr. Caputo is trombone instructor at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, and a free-lance trombonist in the south Florida area.