Review

Alexandre Glazunov
Élégie, Op.44:

Arranged by Cory Mixdorf

Tuba or bass trombone and piano

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

Score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with piano

Alexandre Glazunov composed his Élégie Op.44 for viola and piano in 1883. Although no one is certain, it is generally assumed to have been a memorial to one of two Russian musical titans who had passed the year before – Anton Rubenstein or Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Written in a moderate 9/8 meter and sublimely lyrical, the G minor melody has a feeling of longing while not being overtly melancholic.

Cory Mixdorf’s arrangement for tuba or bass trombone remains true to the original. The key is the same and the solo part has been taken down an octave for the majority of the piece. There are two sections where the solo line is dropped a second octave for range considerations but the transitions are seamless and do not detract from the music in any way. The only noticeable change is the replacement of seven bars in the solo part with rests. The first episode is insignificant and did not require any modifications, while for the second, Mr. Mixdorf simply transfers the solo line to the right hand of the piano. These changes are quite minor and generally helpful as they allow brief respites for the soloist.

This six-minute work can easily be paired with larger, multi-movement pieces on recital programs. Range is moderate, D to a¹, and the solo part is printed entirely in bass clef. This piece can also be recommended for any tenor trombonist with consistent low register.