Review

Isaac Albéniz
Asturias "Leyenda" from Chants d'Epagne:

Arranged by Karl Hinterbichler

Trombone quartet: 3 tenor, 1 bass trombone

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

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

Albeniz (1860-1909) wrote Leyenda (‘Legend’) in 1892 for piano, but it is now better known in transcriptions for guitar. It is written in Andalusian flamenco style, A-B-A, with a malagueña as the B section, and is in triple meter throughout. This arrangement is in the original key of G minor, aimed at advanced players. Parts 1-3 are given in tenor clef. first tops out at d², bass trombone goes down to D. Mutes (unspecified) are required in all parts.

The piece begins with first trombone playing the melody over an accompaniment of repeated 16th notes played muted and pianissimo by second and third parts and staccato/marcato eighths played on the beat by fourth. The melody is taken over in turns by second and third. All parts take turns with the melody in the malagueña. There is a 15 measure Coda, marked Lento, and the piece ends pianissimo on unison G/g. Rhythmic precision and great breath control is needed on all parts. First and third parts each have one quick mute change. When well played this challenging arrangement will be an exhilarating and enjoyable experience. Dr. Hinterbichler is Professor of Trombone and Tuba at the University of New Mexico.