Review

Hector Berlioz
Judex Crederis: for Trombone Choir and Organ

Arranged by Marc S. Williams

12 tenor, 4 bass trombones, organ

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

Score and parts.

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

Berlioz completed his Te Deum in 1849 when he was 46. It is scored for large forces including a 16-part brass section and 12 harps. At its first performance in 1855, the composer conducted an ensemble of more than 900 performers. This arrangement comprises the sixth and final movement; its full title translates as ‘Our judge we believe shall come.’ It is sub-titled Hymne et prière. This arrangement is for two, 8-part choirs of six tenor and two bass trombones, and organ.

The original work ends in B-flat; in this transcription it is E-flat; the central section is in E-flat minor. Tonality in the first section is ambiguous; 11 different tones appear in the first eight measures and all but three notes have accidentals. The initial key signature contains one flat; no corresponding chord is found until m19, a D minor chord in first inversion. The signature of E-flat major appears only in the last section of the piece. Triple or compound triple time is used throughout.

There are brief doublings in some of the parts, but they are largely independent. The full ensemble is used sparingly, and when it is employed, as in mm79-102, it creates an impressive tonal climax. The organ plays through the first eight measures. Its next entry is at the E-flat minor section beginning at m160, where the full ensemble is already playing fortissimo. The pedal part from this point on should be played an octave lower than written so the final chord will be in root position. At m194, the ‘home’ key of E-flat major is reached, with the full ensemble playing fortissimo at that point. A tutti chord of E-flat spread over three and a half octaves brings the piece to a powerful close.

First and second parts are given in tenor clef, otherwise in bass. Range for 1A is f-e-flat², for 1B B-flat-e-flat², for 2A B-flat-c², and for 2B F-b-flat¹. Upper parts are quite demanding, but all have adequate rest measures. With sufficient rehearsal and in an appropriate space, this music cannot fail to be impressive. Dr. Williams is a Medical Geneticist and Director of the Genomic Medicine Institute of the Geisinger Health System in Danville PA, and also a trombone player.