Review

Felix Mendelssohn
Six Songs Op.50:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer

3 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 - 4 trombones

These songs were written 1837-1840 for male chorus; the second of the set had an accompaniment of four horns and bass trombone, the others were a cappella. They have been arranged for a four-part trombone ensemble, three tenor and bass, all parts given in bass clef. They are a well-contrasted set in four different keys, major and minor, with a wide range of tempi and dynamics ranging from p to ff. The final selection, Love and Wine, alternates tutti and solo sections and concludes the set with a fortissimo chord of G major spread over two octaves.

The selections are comprised of Turkish Drinking Song: Allegro vivace, G minor/G major, 4/4, (3:30); The Hunter’s Farewell: Alla Marcia, E-flat major, 3/4, (1:15); Summer Song: Vivace e leggiero, G major, 6/8, (1:30); Water Journey: Andante, B minor, 6/8, (1:50); Hiking Song: Allegro molto, D major, 2/4, (2:00); and Love and Wine: Maestoso, G minor/Allegro molto, G major, 4/4, (3:30).

The first part is quite demanding, lying mostly above the stave, topping out at b¹ in the final selection, and with only 18 full measures of rest throughout. Second part tops out at g¹, and third at e¹. Fourth goes down to D. These arrangements are well-suited to a student level ensemble of mixed abilities. The style of the songs makes them ‘natural selections’ for the trombone, and they will be enjoyable to play.

 Hiking Song marked at quarter=116 involves some hard running. In the final selection, Love and Wine, several sections in the third part are marked as solos and the player is instructed, in the composer’s words, “to play in a drunken tone.” For those who might be wondering what this could possibly sound like, I recommend Mark Herman’s 1996 British movie, ‘Brassed Off.’ Queen Victoria would definitely not have been amused. This arrangement is dedicated to Jeff Reynolds and the Paleobones.