Review

Joseph Eduoard Barat
Andante et Allegro:

Arranged by Bob Burnham

Brass quintet: 2 B-flat trumpets, F horn, solo trombone, tuba

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

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

There are certain staples of the trombone solo repertoire which have become so ubiquitous as to only be known by the last name of the composer. To many trombonists, “the Barat” qualifies as one of those staple pieces of repertoire. Originally for piano and trombone, Bob Burnham arranged this version for trombone solo within a brass quintet.

A brass quartet of two trumpets, horn, and tuba simply cannot cover even most of what was in the piano accompaniment. Burnham’s arrangement makes all the compromises one might expect. Arpeggios are simplified or in many cases eliminated. Large dense voicings of chords are replaced by skeletonized versions with large gaps between horn and tuba. The trumpet parts frequently overlap the trombone in register. An ensemble of similar timbre instruments will surely create balance problems, especially when the solo instrument plays mostly in the tenor and baritone range.

While we should never expect this transcription to supplant the original piano version, solos like this often provide a great opportunity for variety and contrast on brass quintet concerts. Especially on outreach performances, Burnham’s arrangement provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase the lyricism and facility that is possible on tenor trombone. Brass quintets can perform in venues where pianos cannot be easily transported or amplified. The mere utility of having a brass quintet version of this famous solo will and should most definitely see it performed.