Review

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Procession of the Nobles:

Arranged by Keith Terrett

Brass Sextet: 2 B-flat trumpets, B-flat trumpet/flugelhorn, F horn, trombone, tuba

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2021
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts.

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 6+ brass (choir)

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Procession of the Nobles is the orchestral introduction to his now forgotten opera Mlada. The popular Procession is the only music that remains from the opera and it has been transcribed for a diverse array of ensembles. Here Keith Terrett arranges a truncated version of it for brass sextet—three B-flat trumpets (flugelhorn), horn, trombone, and tuba.

As one would expect, the trumpet parts bear the brunt of the melodic responsibility in this setting. After the opening fanfare, they are given the melody parts originally in strings and high woodwinds. The first trumpet player will need a strong, nimble upper register. Terrett does judiciously incorporate rest into the part. The third trumpet part offers the option of also using flugelhorn. Although no suggestions are given, it would seem best to use trumpet for the opening and closing fanfares and then switch to flugel while doubling the horn part on the march theme, also in accompanimental moments. As it does in the original scoring, the horn part also contains important melodic material. The part presents technical challenges but remains within the staff. The low brass parts are almost entirely accompanimental.

Terrett’s arrangement is straightforward. His transcription choices make sense. The score is clean and carefully marked with expressive suggestions. This publication is a great showcase for a talented trumpet section.