Review

Richard Wagner
Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral from the opera Lohengrin:

Arranged by Gordon Cherry

8 tenor, 2 bass trombones

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 1999 / 2019
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 9+ trombones (choir)

“Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral” from Wagner’s Romantic opera Lohengrin is an oft arranged musical moment. Settings for wind band proliferate, and there are more than a few settings for brass as well. Several years ago, Gordon Cherry created a challenging arrangement of the Procession for 10 trombones in the key of D-flat major. This most recent version is mercifully transposed down a minor third to B-flat major.

Cherry’s arrangement is artfully done. He allows each performer to have important melodic moments and all ten players, organized 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, need to be strong, musical players. The arrangement begins with the familiar melody in parts 1a and 1b. The ensuing descending theme begins in the fourth parts and migrates to the second parts. The third theme, arpeggiated and rising begins in 3a and then travels to 4a and 4b. This pattern continues throughout the arrangement.

The first parts require strong chops, frequently reaching b-flat2 and culminating on d2 near the end of the arrangement. Cherry alleviates potential endurance issues by including plenty of rest. Part 5b remains in the pedal register for long portions of the piece and is well suited to a contra-bass trombone. The work in general requires sustained, melodic playing with the exception of the fanfare-like 32nd note figures in the closing tag. The arrangement is carefully edited with the wise insights of a professional trombonist. It will be a satisfying challenge to a collegiate-level ensemble.