Review

Luigi Boccherini
Introduction et Fandango:

Arranged by G. Passmore/A. Poirier

4 tenor, 1 bass trombone

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

Score and parts.

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones

Boccherini (1743-1805) wrote this piece for guitar and string quartet (G448) in 1798, when he had been living in Spain for over 40 years, and it has since become one of his most popular works. This arrangement is scored for four tenor trombones and bass trombone. The French title given on the publication is presumably a nod to bilingualism in Canada. The transcription preserves the original key: the ‘Introduction,’ 18 measures marked Grave ♩= 60 (4/4) in D major, the ‘Fandango’ Allegro ♩=120 (3/4) in D minor. All parts are kept well occupied and call for nimbleness in articulation of 16th notes, which are abundant in the upper four parts. This will be an enjoyable piece to play.

A wide range of dynamics are indicated, from pp to ff, and all parts abound in staccato and marcato markings. Range for first part is f-c-sharp², for second A-a¹, with an optional five measures going up to f², and for third d-a¹. Fouth part covers A-a¹ and fifth, bass trombone, GG-d¹. First and Third parts are given in tenor clef throughout; bass and tenor clefs are used as appropriate in second part, and bass clef in fourth part throughout. All parts fit on two pages but are printed on four. There are three blank pages at the end of the score: 13 wasted pages altogether.

This publication is in Cherry’s iTromboni series. Greg Passmore is a freelance trombonist in Vancouver and a member of iTromboni; Andrew Poirier plays trombone in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.