Review

Felix Mendelssohn
Song Without Words Volume Two:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer

Trombone and piano.

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

Mendelssohn (1809-1847) published eight volumes of Songs Without Words from 1829 to 1845, 48 pieces as it happens - Mendelssohn’s 48! These six pieces have been selected from Books 2, 5 and 6, and were composed between 1833 and 1845. They are a well varied group with four different meter signatures - 4/4, 6/8, 12/8, and 4/8, and in four different keys, major and minor. Playing times range between two and three minutes.

Those in major keys are given in their original key: Op.67 No.1 (E-flat) calls for fluency in execution of 8ths and 16ths. Op.62 No.1 (G) Andante, also calls for fluency with 8ths. Op.67 No.3, Andante tranquillo (B-flat) has a gently contoured melody. Op.62 No.2, Allegro con fuoco, also in B-flat, features a vehement staccato and marcato style and is highly chromatic. Those in minor keys have been transposed, both from f-sharp minor to g-minor - Op.30 No.6, Venetian Gondola Song, a flowing 6/8 with optional trill, and Op.67 No.2, Allegro leggiero in 12/8 requiring a light staccato throughout.

The trombone part is given in tenor clef. Overall range is G-f², topping out in Op.62 No.2, where an optional b-flat¹ is given. Ossias are also given for several high d²’s, and the highest ‘obligatory’ note is b-flat¹. The style of these pieces lend themselves well to trombone. The arrangements are expertly written and there is no reason why they should not be played beautifully.