Review

Ralph Sauer
Practice with Bach: Volume 2 for Bass Trombone
Bass trombone

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

24 etudes based on the Six Partitas (BWV 825-830) of J.S. Bach

Primary Genre: Study Material - etude

Subtitled “Twenty-four ètudes based upon the Six Partitas (BWV 825-830),” this particular group of ètudes completes Volume 2 (of 3) of Ralph Sauer’s Practice with Bach collection that is available for alto, tenor, and bass trombones as well as euphonium. In the forward, Mr. Sauer writes that this text “is a continuation of my idea of making ètudes from the keyboard works of Johann Sebastian Bach.” This is truly a unique and innovative idea. For decades great players and teachers have spoken about Bach’s six cello suites and the value of working on such challenging music. By arranging these partitas for solo trombone Mr. Sauer has, in essence, tripled the amount of J.S. Bach available for trombonists to improve all aspects of their playing.

When converting Bach’s complex polyphonic writing to a single melodic line, Mr. Sauer essentially followed the thematic material as it passes from voice to voice, adjusting octaves to keep everything within the range of the instrument, and making subtle alterations when necessary. All of the etudes have been transposed down a perfect fifth from the original partitas, repeats have been removed, and only two tempos are given, Moderato and Lento, with the recommendation that students experiment often. Finally, while most are closely representative of the originals, some of the exercises are interpreted more freely. The only criticism, and it is a small one, is that there would be some value in including which specific movement from a particular Partita each etude is based upon, giving players the opportunity to quickly access a version of the original for guidance and inspiration, i.e. No.1 is inspired by the Prelude of Partita No.1, No.2 by the Allemande, etc.

The three volumes of Practice with Bach are a significant contribution to the etude literature for trombone and euphonium. And much like Bach’s solo cello suites, these exercises will provide a lifetime of work for the most assiduous of low brass players.