Review

Jean Sibelius
Romance Op.78 No.2:

Arranged by Neils-Bo Ole Johansen

Trombone and organ

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

Score and solo part.

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with organ

Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) composed his set of Four Pieces for Violin or Cello and Piano during the tumultuous years of World War I (1914-1918). A figure of great importance in the national identity of Finland, known for his symphonies, tone poems, and magnificent Violin Concerto, he nonetheless turned to writing music for amateur musicians during these lean years to help earn a living. The resulting works perfectly capture the nostalgia for this age of parlor music. The second piece of the set, the gorgeous Romance, quickly became a staple of twentieth-century violin and cello repertoire. Neils-Ole Bo Johansen has arranged the Romance here for trombone and organ. Cleverly, this arrangement features two different versions for the trombonist. The two versions are largely similar; however, the more difficult version features a taxing phrase in tenor clef that ascends to d2 and remains in that register, between a1 and d2 for several measures. This more difficult version also descends to a low trigger C. The easier version is of a more conservative range and remains in bass clef throughout. The highest passage in the easier version ascends only to g¹ and the work descends no lower than G at the bottom of the bass clef staff. The organ part, which is the same in both versions, is imminently playable. The subtle registration possibilities create the opportunity for a unique blend between the solo voice and the organ. Johansen’s arrangement is well suited to this instrument combination and is a welcome addition to the growing repertoire of works for trombone and organ. This fine arrangement can serve as an excellent recital work for players of varying levels and with its charmingly nostalgic character and memorable melody is also well suited to any venue with organ for which a trombone could provide incidental music, perhaps during a religious service or other ceremony or memorial. This short work, only three minutes in length, is highly recommended for performance and for addition to your library of works.