Review

Thomas Tallis
Tallis Suite: for trombone quartet

Arranged by James Haynor


N.p., ,
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2016
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Grade 4

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

Tallis died in London in 1585 at the age of about 80. The exact date of his birth is unknown. In 1543 he was appointed to the Chapel Royal, where the music that comprises this suite would have been sung for the first time. If you love me (keep my commandments): (John 14:15) is appropriate to Whitsuntide and is a mostly homophonic setting. The admonitory Verily, verily I say unto you (John 6:53-56), also a homophonic setting, comes in challenging contrast to the comfort offered in the preceding anthem. Both of these pieces have been transposed down a minor third.

Gloria Patri is a canonic setting of the lesser doxology, frequently appended to the singing of New Testament canticles. I am not able to identify the piece it comes from. Musically it provides quite a satisfying conclusion to this short suite. The 3 selections used were carefully chosen for their contrasting characteristics as well as their stylistic compatibilities. The arranger provides a wealth of dynamics that will be of much assistance in achieving an expressive performance. These pieces are well within the capabilities of a good student ensemble. Overall range for 1st is a–c2 and for 4th is E–a. James Haynor is a freelance trumpet player in the Milwaukee area. He has arranged extensively for winds and brass.