Review

Frédéric Chopin
Cello Sonata in G minor: for Trombone and Piano

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


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

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Chopin’s Cello Sonata in G minor Op 65 is his only sonata written for cello, and one of only nine pieces that he wrote for a solo instrument other than piano. It has four movements: Allegro moderato, Allegro con brio (Scherzo), Largo, and Allegro. It was published in 1847.

Ralph Sauer’s arrangement for trombone and piano is largely a transcription of the original composition with crucial alterations. Adjustments have been made for double and triple stops in the cello part, and octave substitutions are judiciously placed. Since the cello part has very few rests in this 30-minute solo, Sauer has found appropriate selections to provide the trombonist optional breaks throughout the work.

The solo part spans from D to d2, with several delicate sections taking place near c2. Both tenor and bass clefs are utilized. No mutes are necessary. The first and fourth movements present considerable virtuosic content, while the middle two movements are technically more accessible. Given this solo’s technical content and length, it would be most accessible to graduate school level and above. Any lover of romantic music will find both the piano and trombone parts extremely beautiful throughout!