Review

Johann Strauss, Jr.
Kaiser Waltz: (for low brass ensemble)

Arranged by Randall Malmstrom

Three tenor, one bass trombone, one tuba

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

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones

Strauss composed his Emperor Waltz Op.437 in 1889 and it has long been one of his most popular pieces. This arrangement for three tenor trombones, bass trombone and tuba is in C major, original key A-flat. Trombones 1 and 2 are in tenor clef, third in bass. First part, topping out at d², has the lion’s share of the main melody; second and third also get some of the action. Bass trombone range is C-g¹. All parts contain many accented notes - staccato, marcato, portato, long legato, tenuto etc, and the first part has trills. There are not many measures of rest, 15 in first part, and between 9 and 11 in the other parts. Each part is presented on two pages with no page-turning issues. This is an enjoyable selection, a great exercise in playing in true Viennese Waltz style.