Review

Johann Sebastian Bach
Aria Duetto Mein Freund ist Mein! BWV 140.6: for brass quartet

Arranged by Keith Terrett

2 b-flat trumpets, horn in F, trombone

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

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 4 brass

This transcription of Mein Freund ist Mein! (My Friend is Mine!) originates from Bach’s popular Canata, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, or Sleepers Wake. Keith Terret skillfully transcribes this duet movement for a brass quartet of two trumpets in B-flat, horn, and trombone. The piece was originally orchestrated as a duet between soprano and bass voice, with an accompaniment of oboe and continuo. In this transcription the vocal duet is cleverly scored in second trumpet and horn, while the first trumpet plays the ornate oboe line, and the trombone picks up the part of the continuo.

For reference, this movement is a love duet between the soul and Jesus. This transcription could serve nicely as prelude music at a church service or wedding function and is a charming addition to the brass quartet repertoire. Performers should be aware that the players covering trumpet 1 and trombone parts must be advanced and have good endurance as they cover the supporting roles and have very little rest. The trombone part also might be played even more effortlessly on a bass trombone as most of the part lies in the lower register including several low Ds below the staff.

Written-pitch instrument ranges: combined b-flat trumpets – b to a2, horn – d1 to g2, trombone – D to a.