Review

Paul Dukas
The Sorcerer's Apprentice:

Arranged by Jim Tempest

12-part Brass Ensemble and Percussion: Brass Choir: B-flat piccolo trumpet, 4 b-flat trumpets (1 flugelhorn), 2 F horns, 2 tenor trombones, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion

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)

Dukas (1865-1935) wrote this piece in 1897. This slightly abridged version in the original key of A-flat is scored for piccolo trumpet in B-flat, 5 trumpets in B-flat with optional doubling on Flugelhorn for fifth part, 2 F horns, 2 tenor trombones, bass trombone, tuba, timpani (3), and percussion comprised of triangle, suspended cymbal and glockenspiel (one player). Straight mutes are required for all brass except flugelhorn, euphonium and tuba; trombone parts call for cup mutes also. First trombone part is given in tenor clef throughout, topping out at b¹; tenor and bass clefs are used in second part, which goes up to f¹. Bass trombone range is D-flat-d-flat¹. At various places in the score, parts for flugelhorn, trumpets 4 and 5, second horn, euphonium and tuba are marked Solo. In other measures, parts for piccolo trumpet, B-flat trumpet 2 and tuba are marked divisi; clearly this arrangement actually requires at least 20 players.

The resources of the ensemble are skillfully and effectively used to create many different tonal combinations; all parts have adequate rest measures. The first nine measures are muted in all parts pianissimo, except for the piccolo trumpet, which is in a solo role and marked mf. The main theme is introduced in the third measure by second trombone, echoed by first trombone and extended by Trumpet 4 fortissimo at m10. A solo euphonium takes the lead with the complete melody at m51. Trombones function mostly in a supporting role throughout and have many short notes, the majority of them marked staccato. This arrangement is quite challenging, but when well rehearsed, should be an enjoyable experience for all concerned. Jim Tempest is Senior Director of Music for the Canadian Army and is on faculty at Vancouver Community College as a sessional instructor.