Review


Johann Sebastian Bach
Fugue à la gigue BWV 577: for 8-part Trombone Ensemble

Arranged by Ralph Sauer

Trombone octet: 8 trombones: 6 tenor, 2 bass trombones

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

Score and parts.

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones

Originally written for organ, this work is often considered to be ‘one of Bach’s most magnificent fugues;’ however, no autograph has survived, the date of composition is not known, and some scholars consider it to be ‘spurious.’ It is not listed amongst Bach’s works by Malcolm Boyd (Bach: J.M. Dent, 1983). However, given the level of mastery evident here, we might well wonder who else could have written it. Interestingly, it is set in 12/8 meter, which is characteristic of the ‘slide’ or ‘slip’ jig that was popular in England during the 16th Century.

The original key was G major; this arrangement is in E-flat. It is scored for six tenor and two bass trombones. Parts 1-4 are given in tenor clef and parts 5-6 in bass. The fugue is organized into four parts with frequent doubling to keep each player both appropriately challenged and supported. The organ pedal part, which would otherwise be extremely challenging, is divided between the two bass trombones. The arranger’s expertise and experience is quite apparent in this fine arrangement.

Both first and second parts top out at c² in their first entrance, m19, and third part also ascends at c² in m61. Fourth part goes up to a¹ and fifth and sixth to f¹ and e-flat¹ respectively. First bass goes down to C and second to BB-flat.

 

Reviewer: Keith Davies Jones
Review Published June 24, 2023