Review

Giuseppe Verdi
Brindisi: duet from La Traviata

Arranged by Robert Fisco

B-flat trumpet, trombone, piano

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

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Chamber Music
Secondary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 2 brass

In this famous duet, sung by Alfredo and Violetta, present company is exhorted to drink - ‘Libiamo, libiamo,’ which should not be taken too literally by the trombone player, lest they get out of time with their partners in this lively piece, arranged here in B-flat. After a short piano introduction, trombone and trumpet take turns with the tune, then play together for the last 70 measures. The trombone part is in bass clef, range B-flat to b-flat¹, which is held fortissimo over the last five measures. If the ossia b-flat an octave lower is taken, the part tops out at g¹. The trumpet part is in B-flat, but given in the score in C, which might be confusing in rehearsal. It tops out at b-flat² (concert) held over the last five measures, with ossia b-flat¹. If this is taken, the part goes up to a² (concert). There are no significant difficulties in the piano part; maximum spread is an octave. This is a great encore piece, sending the audience home humming the tune for sure. Robert Fisco is a recent graduate of Miami University and is currently a freelance trombonist based in Dunkirk, NY.