Review

Johann Sebastian Bach
Chorale No. 64: from "Christmas Oratorio"

Arranged by Andrew Poirer

3 trumpets in D, horn in F, 2 trombones, euphonium, tuba, timpani (optional), chorus

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

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 6+ brass (choir)

The chorale, Nun seid ihr wohl gerochen, is probably better known from its very different setting in the St Matthew Passion as O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden. It was actually composed in 1601 by Hans Leo Hassler. In the Christmas setting, with Bach’s brilliant trumpet parts, its festive nature lends itself well to an arrangement for brass ensemble. Scoring is for 3 trumpets in D, horn, 2 trombones, euphonium, tuba, optional timpani in A and D and SATB chorus. Text is in German, translation not included.

The arrangement is in its original key of D major and is quite a showcase for the trumpets with the trombones in a supporting role. Only first trumpet, horn, euphonium and tuba parts were sent for review. Trombone parts were not included; in the score they are given in tenor clef, range for first is e-c², second B-a¹. First trumpet goes up to d³ (concert). Andrew Poirier hails from Newfoundland and plays trombone in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.