Review

Johannes Brahms
Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op.56:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer

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 Tenor Trombone - with piano

When Brahms ‘discovered’ this chorale its composition was attributed to Haydn, but this is now considered doubtful. Its true composer is ‘unknown,’ and the work is often nowadays referred to as ‘Variations on the St. Anthony Chorale.’ It is comprised of the Chorale, 8 Variations and Finale.

This arrangement for solo trombone and piano is in the original key of B-flat. Variations 2, 4 and 8 are in B-flat minor. It is a demanding piece with only 68 full measures of rest in the trombone part, 29 of them in the Finale, which has many 16th notes. Tempo markings range from Andante to Presto non troppo. The trombone part is given in tenor clef, range B-flat-e-flat². There are 17 notes at c² or above, and a trill on c-flat² in m340.

The piano part is quite demanding; there are many notes but no non-arpeggiated chords with more than four notes for either hand; the majority have only two or three. This is a significant contribution to the repertoire from a major composer not up till now at all well represented. It is suitable for advanced players.