Review

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de St. Georges
Overture to L'Amant anonyme:

Arranged by Luis C. Engelke

Brass quintet

Princeton, New Jersey, United States
Publisher: Art of Sound Music
Date of Publication: 2016
URL: http://www.artofsoundmusic.com

Score and parts. First trumpet part available in B-flat, E-flat, or C. Second trumpet part in B-flat.

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

French composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint Georges is historically known as the first classical composer of African ancestry. One of Saint Georges’ most successful works was his comic opera L’Amant anonyme, which premiered in 1780. Luis Engelke, Professor of Trumpet at Towson University, has arranged the Overture to L’Amant anonyme for brass quintet. Overture to L’Amant anonyme comprises three short movements marked Allegro Presto, Andante, and Presto. Like most opera overtures, Overture to L’Amant anonyme features themes and melodies from passages throughout the opera. The Trumpet 1 part is provided in the keys of E-flat, B-flat, and C, while the Trumpet 2 part is in B-flat. The horn part is in F and the trombone part is written completely in bass clef. Saint Georges’ light and elegant style adapts quite nicely for brass quintet, offering a work with a distinct sound different from other brass transcriptions of similar eras. While the Trumpet 1 part is often in the spotlight, Engelke’s arrangement does a great job of passing the melody around to the other parts without over-orchestrating, and Engelke includes periodic rests in all parts. Articulation, tempo, dynamic, and expression markings are well labeled throughout the arrangement, making both the score and individual parts easy to read. Labeled as a “Grade 5” level difficulty piece, L’Amant anonyme is accessible to young college level students looking to get their feet wet with Classical period repertoire by a composer seldom played by brass musicians. This arrangement is available as a downloadable PDF file and as printed sheet music.