Review

Irving Berlin
White Christmas:

Arranged by Lisa Albrecht

3 tenor, 1 bass trombone

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 1940 / 2019
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

Irving Berlin’s tune White Christmas first appeared in the 1942 film Holiday Inn. It was recorded later that year by Bing Crosby and its fame grew steadily. It wasn’t until 1954 that the famous movie White Christmas was produced, which included an updated version of the title song.

Lisa Albrecht’s trombone quartet arrangement is based upon the original version. The form of the arrangement includes an introduction and three verses. It is scored for three tenor trombones and one bass trombone. Each tenor trombone part gets a chance to play the melody. The arrangement begins in the key of A-flat and modulates up a step to the key of B-flat before the third verse. The tessitura of the tenor parts range from c-flat to b-flat¹ and the bass trombone part ranges from BB-flat to b-flat. Almost the entire arrangement is in alla breve meter, with occasional rubato and fermatas. Rhythm and harmony are quite straightforward. This piece is accessible to most high school level players and beyond, a great arrangement to add to your holiday gig book!