Review

Henry Purcell
Thou Knowest, Lord, the Secrets of Our Hearts:

Arranged by David Rahbee

3 tenors (two in tenor clef), 1 bass

Seckington, Tamworth, United Kingdom
Publisher: Warwick Music Limited
Date of Publication: 2022
URL: http://www.warwickmusic.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

This lovely work, dating from about 1670-1680, fits the sound of the trombone quartet very well. The only change Mr. Rabee made to the original was to lower it an octave to better fit the range of the trombone. His arrangement is in four parts, two in tenor clef and two in bass clef. There is of course no reason nor need to restrict the performing forces to just four players; in fact, to my mind, the solemnity and smoothly flowing harmonies of this work make it well suited to a trombone choir with multiple players to a part.

One challenge in preparing this music for performance involves careful consideration of dynamics, especially since the bottom part [only playable on bass trombone] involves much use of the trigger and pedal ranges, while the top part [originally the soprano] lies around the upper middle range – balance is an important consideration. Generally, the sparse dynamic indications are from piano to mezzo forte, with a surprising ff in measure 23.

This is beautiful music, well and effectively arranged for trombones by Mr. Rahbee. It should be a part of the library of all trombone groups, especially for those involved in liturgical music.