Review

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Andante Cantabile: from Symphony No. 5 for Brass Quintet

Arranged by Justin Chiang

2 b-flat trumpets, horn in F, trombone, tuba

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

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

This arrangement in the original key of D major is scored for 2 trumpets in B-flat, Horn in F, Trombone, and Tuba. It is suitable for ‘moderately advanced to advanced performers’. Obviously parts have been somewhat condensed from 24 in the full score, but its essentials have been preserved and there are no cuts.

As in the original score, the ‘signature’ melody is introduced by solo horn. The trombone takes it over from m32 to m38, topping out in m36 at b1, and although much of its part lies above the staff, it is given entirely in bass clef. There are few full rest measures in any part; tuba has none, trombone has only one and both trumpets have two. Horn has seven before entering in m8 with its solo and two more at mm29 and 31.

The trombone part is at least of moderately advanced difficulty; its overall range is E – b1. Without an F-extension, a 7-position shift legato from B to A-sharp in m31/32 will be the most awkward moment. A variety of articulations is indicated, sometimes within the same note group, and crescendo/decrescendos may extend over two to three measures, calling for much attention to detail.

Trumpet 1 tops out at c-sharp3 and trumpet 2 at f-sharp2, horn goes up to a2 (these pitches are given in transposition). A somewhat challenging arrangement, but one that audiences will almost certainly enjoy.

Justin Chiang comes from Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, and plays trombone professionally in Vancouver.