Review

James Lord Pierpont
Jingle Bells: for Trombone Quartet

Arranged by Jörg Richter

3 tenors, 1 bass

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

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

Jörg Richter has arranged one of the most popular Christmas tunes, Jingle Bells, in a swing style for trombone quartet. This quartet is lighthearted, has a nice groove to it, and is very accessible. All parts are written in bass clef and the bass trombone part is conveniently quite playable on tenor trombone. This would be a great chart to take “caroling” or make a fantastic addition to any Christmas program or event. The piece would also lend itself well to performance by a trombone choir, where parts could be doubled for added richness and depth.

Mr. Richter does a nice job with clear and stylistically accurate swing style articulations throughout. It’s clear he has an expert grasp of how to write in this style. The melodic line is mainly shared between the top three parts, while the bass trombone takes on more of a walking bass accompaniment responsibility. Each part gets its chance to shine, keeping all players engaged and interested throughout. Perhaps the only point of concern is that there is very little rest for any part, but because of its short nature it works without issue. A versatile arrangement, an advanced group of students could pull this chart off without a hitch, and it would be a fun read for just about anyone, advanced to professional!

Jingle Bells was donated for review by Cherry Classics Music and is available at www.CherryClassics.com.  Combined written-pitch instrument ranges: E-flat (optional BB-flat) to b-flat1.