Review

Georges Bizet
Habanera: from the Opera "Carmen"

Arranged by Keith Terrett

Trombone or euphonium 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

Georges Bizet’s groundbreaking opera Carmen was first performed in Paris in March of 1875. The main character, Carmen, sings the well-known aria Habanera in the first act, scene 5. The original score accompanies the solo voice with orchestra. The texture is light at times and builds to full orchestration in the most dramatic moments.

This arrangement by Keith Terrett is for solo trombone or euphonium with piano accompaniment. It retains much of the original character; it is in the same keys of D minor alternating with D major, the solo voice part is retained, transposed an octave lower, and the original dynamic and phrase markings are also retained. In addition, the orchestral accompaniment is quite literally transcribed to the piano part.

The solo part is cast completely in bass clef into the manageable range of d-f-sharp1. No mutes are required. The technical content is appropriate for an intermediate player. There are a few complex passages that involve a triplet 16th-note rhythm, a triplet 32nd-note rhythm, a fermata, and/or a portamento indication over an octave slur. An intermediate student may have trouble navigating these sections initially, but with guidance, they should be accessible.

This solo is a great choice for a junior high or high school level student preparing for solo and ensemble festival! It is recognizable and allows ample opportunity for musical expression.