Review

Robert Schumann
Five Pieces in Folk Style Op.102:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer

Tuba (bass trombone) and piano

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2017
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with piano

The prolific Mr. Sauer has updated his catalog with a version of Robert Schumann’s popular Five Pieces in Folk Style for bass trombone or tuba with piano. This piece has long been a favorite of many trombone and euphonium players, particularly the arrangement by Dr. Paul Droste from 1977. Ralph Sauer also published a slightly different version for tenor trombone and piano in 2008 and this new adaptation for bass trombone/tuba is essentially the same, in a different octave and with a few small modifications.

As would be expected with works composed “in folk style,” the pieces are often repetitive and many have dance-like qualities. The five movements allow for a variety of interpretations, ranging from humorous to melancholy, and they run the gamut from fast displays of virtuosity and slower episodes of expressive lyricism. The entire work is cast in bass clef and well within a comfortable range for bass trombonists, AA to e-flat¹. Finally, it is recommended that a performer seek out multiple versions of the work, including the original for cello and piano, to help prepare the most well informed performance.