Siegfried's Funeral Music: Extract from Act III of Götterdämmerung
Arranged by Randall Malmstrom
Trombone choir: trombone octet: eight trombones: 6 tenor, 2 bass trombones, optional contrabass
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
Iconic funeral music from the end of Wagner’s Götterdämmerung is arranged for eight part trombone ensemble, six tenor and two bass trombones with optional contrabass trombone. The arranger has created a version with a concert ending and alternative Allegro ending. I personally prefer the simpler concert ending, though I was disappointed to see the original ending with the slowly fading ninetuplets. Otherwise, the arranger has stayed close to the original music.The arrangement is accessible for most college ensembles and all parts have parts with melodic interest. There is some technique involved with playing the ninetuplets etc. normally in the string parts, but in the extremely slow tempo they are playable. The arranger has once again provided a wonderful opportunity for trombonists to play orchestral literature that is not often programmed. Wagner has fallen out of favor in today’s culture, and the chance to play music from one of the most powerful moments in German opera ,which features the brass section is a real gift. Range: FF-c2. Grade 4-5.
Review Published June 24, 2023