Review

Johann Sebastian Bach
Arioso from Cantata 156: for 10-part Brass Ensemble

Arranged by Ross Holcombe

4 C trumpets, 1 horn in F, 3 trombones, bass trombone, tuba

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

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 6+ brass (choir)

J.S.Bach Arioso from Cantata 156 arranged by Ross Holcombe for 10-part Brass ensemble. Score and parts. Cherry Classics Music 2022. Playing time 3min

Cantata 156, Ich steh mit einem Fuss im Grabe (I stand with one foot in the grave), was composed in Leipzig in 1724. This arioso is the opening Sinfonia, which is thought to have originally been the slow movement of an oboe concerto composed in Köthen, and later adapted as part of the Concerto for Harpsichord in Fminor BWV1056 (1739-1742), in which the ‘signature’ melody, as in the cantata, is played by oboe, accompanied by strings and continuo.

This arrangement is scored for 4 trumpets in C, Horn in F, 3 tenor trombones, bass trombone, and tuba. It’s marked Adagio at quarter = 60, and is in the original key of F Major. It begins with horn playing the solo line, accompanied by a quartet of trombones and tuba, joined by the trumpets in m. 14. The somewhat unusual syncopated bass line is played by Trumpet 4 and Trombone 2. The tutti ensemble is used sparingly, and the available tonal combinations are judiciously and imaginatively employed, with some octave doubling. Trombone parts are given in bass clef, range for 1st is d - f1, and for 3rd is F - a. Horn goes up to g2 (transposed). Trumpet parts are in B-flat, 1st part topping out at c3. Bach’s 3-part counterpoint is intensely beautiful; this excellent arrangement gives each player opportunity to achieve their ideal of playing beautifully.

Ross Holcombe is Associate Principal Trombonist of The Florida Orchestra. His numerous arrangements and compositions have been widely performed in the United States.