Review

Claude Debussy
Beau Soir: for trombone (euphonium) and piano

Arranged by Gordon Cherry

Trombone and piano

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2019
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Beau Soir is an arrangement of Debussy's Impressionistic art song for solo trombone (or euphonium) and piano. A first glance at the solo part might lead one to believe that the piece is easy to perform. It is mostly legato; rhythms in the solo part are simple, and its range spans only an octave and a fourth in the mid-range of the instrument, c-f¹.

There are numerous subtleties in tempo, dynamics and rhythm that require attention. Two against three rhythmic patterns can be found in the accompaniment and between piano and soloist. An awareness of the text (Paul Bourget) will be helpful for any soloist, and an awareness of instrumental arrangements and recordings might also help inform an interpretation.

This arrangement will be of use for an intermediate student who wants to learn more about the French style of composition and performance. It is also be suitable for a professional level player as an encore, or in another soft, reflective moment in a solo recital.