Review

Various
Ten Christmas Duets:

Arranged by Kenneth Knowles

Duet: B-flat trumpet and trombone

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

Score.

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 2 brass

Kenneth Knowles has arranged these charming settings of ten traditional Christmas carols for trumpet and trombone. In the preface to the two-part score format of these carols the arranger states: “These Ten Christmas Duets are intended to combine melodic interplay and rhythmic interest while retaining the beauty of the classic melodies.” The carols are presented in this order: O Tannenbaum, Jingle Bells, Lo How a Rose Ere Blooming, The First Noel. The Holly and the Ivy, Silent Night, Away in a Manger, Ding Dong Merrily on High, Christ was Born on Christmas Day / Wassail Song, and Joy to the World.

The duets are generally conservative in terms of technique and range; however, there are a handful of potentially tricky moments of syncopation and some leaps across registers in moments of transition from melodic to accompanimental textures. In terms of range, the B-flat trumpet part is usually in its mid register; however, it does occasionally venture as low as f and as high as b-flat2. The trombone part is also moderate in range and generally extends no lower than F, thus mostly avoiding the trigger register, though there is one optional D and one optional pedal BB-flat. The highest notated pitch in the Trombone part is f1. Due to their conservative range and brief length, these duets are ideal for students, though also fun diversions for more advanced performers, perhaps for those looking for opportunities to do some informal caroling with a colleague or friend. These duets will also be useful in a teaching studio, giving the developing trombone student an opportunity to improve comfort with reading a B-flat trumpet part as a tenor clef part by adding two flats to the key signature and adjusting the occasional accidental. These appealing settings are a welcome addition to our seasonal duet literature and are highly recommended.