Review

Alexandre Guilmant
Morceau Symphonique: for Two Trombones

Arranged by Jessica Hawthorne

2 trombones

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2022
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score.

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 2 trombones

Guilmant (1837 -1911) was organist at St. Trinité in Paris from 1871-1901. In 1894 he founded the Schola Cantorum and from 1896 he also taught at the Paris Conservatoire. He composed extensively for the organ; Morceau Symphonique for trombone and organ was written as a test piece for the Conservatoire in 1902. The prize that year was awarded to Henry Couillaud, who recorded L’histoire du Soldat under Stravinsky’s direction in 1932.

The original key is preserved in this arrangement. The piece falls into two main sections, Andante Sostenuto in E-flat minor and Andante Moderato in E-flat major, in which the main theme is characterised by an ascending scale on E-flat played six times, and a further six times divided betwenn B-flat, D and F. The D major scale is marked con fuoco, as are the last 28 measures, which include a reprise of the E-flat scale. The organ part has been reduced to a single line for second trombone; this is significantly less demanding than first part, which is suitable for advanced players. Overall ranges are BB-flat-c-sharp² for first and D–g-flat¹ for second. Both parts are given in bass clef. 

Jessica Hawthorne is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and holds the DMA from the Frost School of Music. She currently performs with various bands in Miami.