Review

Arthur Pryor
Blue Bells of Scotland:

Arranged by Bill Reichenbach

Solo bass trombone and concert band

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

Score and parts.

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with band

The solo works of Arthur Pryor remain popular among trombonists. Charming combinations of simple lyricism, sometimes based on folk songs or dance forms, and explosive virtuosity, these works highlight much of the expressive and technical range of the instrument. Written for and popular with tenor trombone players, they are a staple of recitals and concerts. Bass trombonists, however, have far fewer options for this style of music, though there are a few noteworthy (no pun intended) works in this genre available. Fortunately, Los Angeles-based bass trombonist/low brass specialist, composer/arranger, and studio legend Bill Reichenbach has taken one of Pryor’s best-known works, his variations on Blue Bells of Scotland, and transcribed it for bass trombone and concert band.

Pryor’s original version is so familiar to many that a detailed description of it is unnecessary. Reichenbach’s version is essentially a transposition from the original F major down to B-flat major. Articulation marks are updated and there are a small handful of minor differences from the most popular tenor trombone editions, but it’s safe to say this is an entirely faithful rendering of this piece in a key that fits the bass trombone better. As with the tenor trombone versions, there are ample opportunities to embellish the written music in ways that Pryor himself did.

Reichenbach has scored this version for a fairly traditional concert band. The woodwind parts consist of piccolo, flute 1 and 2, oboe 1 and 2, bassoon 1 and 2, B-flat clarinets 1-3, bass clarinet, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones. Brasses include B-flat trumpet 1-2, F horn 1-4, trombone 1 and 2, bass trombone, euphonium (in bass clef), and tuba, and are joined by three percussion parts, snare drum, bass drum, and cymbal. The individual percussion 1 part does actually not specify the instrument in writing, but the score makes it obvious which instrument to use.

Bill Reichenbach has taken a beloved trombone classic and expanded its reach. This version will be a welcome one for bass trombonists looking for a fun, virtuosic showpiece.