Review

Tomas Albinoni (attrib. Giazotto)
Adagio in G minor:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer

Trombone and piano (organ)

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2020
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and solo part.

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

As Sauer explains in the publication, this lovely and well-known piece originally written for violin has traditionally been attributed to Albinoni but in fact may have been composed by the 20th century musicologist and Albinoni biographer, Remo Giazotto. However, recent evidence seems to suggest that this was not so much a fraud or hoax but a working-out of an original manuscript sketch by Albinoni. At any rate, it is a beautiful melody, known to many.

Placed in the original key, Sauer’s transcription is, as always, carefully prepared. While range extends from G to d-flat2 the overall tessitura of the second half is high enough that a word of warning is needed. Students looking to add this nine-minute piece to a recital should give careful consideration to the endurance demands of their program. A successful performance will require good endurance and lyrical control in that “floating” high range. The keyboard part, with its simple octave quarter note bass line should be within the reach of most pianists. Those preparing this piece would be well-advised to consult violin performances in order to make informed decisions about phrasing and inflection. Thanks to Ralph Sauer for offering up another quality transcription.