Review

Maurice Ravel
Pavane pour une infante défunte:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer

Bass trombone and piano

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

Score and solo part.

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with piano

Ralph Sauer continues to provide us with an abundance of music in transcription for low brass instruments of consistent high quality and artistic merit. The present work is a good example. There is nothing extravagantly difficult in the source music: a simple melody with a pulsating accompaniment. Sauer leaves all the fancy possibilities to the side, giving us a beautiful melody, well placed for the best sound on either tuba or bass trombone.

The solo part lies right in the middle of the bass trombone’s range, perhaps a bit on the high side for tuba. Until the end, there are no notes below F natural, reaching up to d¹ at dramatic moments. The final cadence takes the solo instrument down low, with E, D, GG as final notes.

The main advantage of this music, apart from its quality and familiarity to audiences, is the opportunity for the low brass soloist to sing the part, whether metaphorically or literally! Breath control could be an issue, as well as control of dynamics; the principal dynamic indication is piano; the only instance of forte with accents comes towards the end, in measures 53-56.

This is an excellent piece for the designated instruments; a sufficiently advanced high school level player can easily handle the notes. Close study of the style through listening to the original will pay great benefits to anyone working on this transcription. Bravo to Mr. Sauer for another winner!