Review

Camille Saint-Saëns
Excerpts from Symphony No.3 :

Arranged by Jeff Reynolds

Seven trombones, bass trombone or tuba, and organ

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2018
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones

This compact arrangement captures both the excitement and grandeur of the finale to Saint-Saëns’ magnificent Organ Symphony. Written in honor of Jeff and Jean Reynolds’ marriage, it is highly appropriate for a celebration of this sort.

The harmonic and melodic material is identical to that found within the first two minutes of the Maestoso section from the symphony’s second movement and concludes with the material from the final 30 seconds of this movement. Little has been altered from the original, aside from voicing and meter signature, which appears as 3/4 instead of the original 6/4. Key signature, tempi, thematic content, and general form remain intact for the sections that appear in this arrangement. The overall form encompasses an introduction, fanfare, short fugue, and conclusion.

The parts are not rhythmically or technically challenging for the majority of the arrangement, but the 16-measure fugue could present considerable collaborative difficulty. A conductor is recommended. The top three trombone parts are notated in tenor clef. It is important to also note that the eighth trombone part is written for bass trombone or tuba, and all other trombone parts are for tenor. The organ part has some notation issues but should be playable by most organists. This part is essential, so the arrangement must be performed in a space with an organ.

This arrangement presents highlights from the Organ Symphony wonderfully. It will function perfectly as a closing to an organ and brass program, as a musical selection for a celebratory religious service, or as a closing to a wedding ceremony.