Review

Giovanni Gabrieli
Sonata Pian'e Forte:

Arranged by Russell McKinney

Trombone Octet: eight trombones: 4 tenor, 4 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

This work is probably the most famous by Giovanni Gabrieli, with historical importance due to its use of written dynamics and specified instrumentation, both unusual or even unique for the time of its publication, 1597. Mr. McKinney has taken the understandable step of arranging the work for trombones only, since six of the original eight parts were to be played on trombones.

In this arrangement, the first choir consists of three tenor trombones; the second choir has one tenor and three bass trombones with the bottom part playable on contrabass trombone. One might differ on the need for so many bass trombones, but conductors of trombone ensembles will resolve such matters to suit themselves. The phrase markings added to the score are of great interest as they help to shape the style of performance and add much to the clarity of the ensemble sound. A few diminuendo marks have been added to allow soft entrances to be heard after loud cadences. A space for a quick breath has been added to the lowest part in the final measure to keep the sound full at the end. Another small adaptation made by Mr. McKinney happens in the last three measures: two parts are interchanged, the fourth part and the seventh part. My assumption is that the two players, 7 and 8, can work together to sustain the low C in the final cadence, preventing a dropping out due to lack of air.

This is a good transcription of this major historical composition, one that players and audience will definitely enjoy. It has a massive and monumental sound, impressive in any acoustic, but especially so in a large enough church or hall to handle the division of the group spatially as well as acoustically. An excellent job, Rusty!