Review

Frank Bridge
Pensiero and Allegro Appassionato:

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

Pensiero and Allegro Appassionato, transcribed here in the original key for trombone and piano is also known as Two Pieces for Viola by English composer Frank Bridge. Written in 1908, the work presents two contrasting movements. Pensiero is a dramatic, haunting late romantic piece that adapts well to the trombone. The melody is quite beautiful and accompaniment should not be too difficult for most pianists. The Allegro Appassionato begins quasi-cadenza and then settles into a lilting 6/8 melody echoing late 19th century French style. It exploits the upper register but lies on the slide well and is not out of reach for a strong college level player. Range is D-flat-c-sharp2. The transcription is taken straight from the viola solo with two exceptions: the last phrase of Pensiero is written down an octave due to range issues. In the Allegro there is a phrase transposed up an octave to e-flat2. I did not hear this in any of the viola performances I checked, so perhaps this is a misprint? One could easily play it down an octave without any problem. I found this to be quite a musically satisfying piece that translates well to the trombone, excellent for a professional or college level recital.