Review

Johann Sebastian Bach
Motette, BWV 225: Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied

Arranged by Ralph Sauer

Two alto/tenor, four tenor, two bass trombones

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

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones

Bach wrote this motet in 1726 in Leipzig, where Mozart heard it sung in 1791, famously remarking that “this was something one could learn from,” and then orchestrated it. There are three movements: Spirito, Lento and Spirito. It is written for two 4-part choirs, which the arranger indicates should be slightly separated. The original key is B-flat; this arrangement is in E-flat, with the first section of the third movement in A-flat. It is a demanding work and all parts are quite challenging. First parts are provided in tenor and alto clef, indicating that they ‘may be played on optional alto.’ Both top out at e-flat². Second parts go up to c² and b-flat¹ respectively and are presented in tenor clef; third parts are in bass clef, topping out at g¹ and e-flat¹. Bass trombones go down to C and BB-flat. The arranger suggests that ‘any of the three movements can be performed separately.’ In whole or in part, this will be quite an effective selection on any program.