Review

Antonín Dvořák
Three Slavonic Dances:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


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

Piano score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

These arrangements are dedicated ‘To the memory of Dietrich Emory Sauer, 1971-2022’. He was Ralph and Linda’s son. A photograph of him as a baby, taken in 1971, appeared in the ITA Journal Vol 40 No. 3, July 2012, p. 27. Emory Remington was holding him. In more recent years, he lived in Flagstaff, Arizona. A Memorial Scholarship in Trombone has been established in his name at the Curtis Institute.

The Slavonic Dances were originally written for piano four-hands in 1878. At the behest of his publisher, the composer subsequently orchestrated them, and they were published as Opus 46. They have been described as “lively, thoughtful, pensive, mysterious, joyous, and rambunctious”.

The three selections comprising this set are a well-contrasted group, and all in one way or another, quite challenging. The trombone part is given in tenor or bass clefs as appropriate, and includes many 16th notes and some 32nds. Overall range is D-c2 (optional e2). There are relatively few rest measures in any of the selections, and all require secure technique and good breath control.

No.4 in F major Tempo di Menuetto is a graceful minuet, 213 measures including repeats with 35 rest measures. There are many triplet 8ths in the middle section; a short cadenza going up to e2 is marked ‘optional’. Otherwise this selection tops out at c2.

No.2 in E minor Allegretto grazioso comprises 198 measures, and is in 2/4 time. Range is up to b1. 24 rest measures are provided. There are many groups of 16th and 32nd notes at Allegro assai. An ossia is provided for one especially demanding measure. The final note is an accented and fortissimo high c.

No.7 in C minor Allegro assai is the most extended of the set at 224 measures, including 37 rest measures. It includes many 16th notes played legato in contrast to the longer notes which are mostly either staccato or otherwise accented.

These imaginative arrangements are a stimulating addition to the repertoire. They are appropriate for advanced performers. The pianist is kept fully occupied with many notes in every measure, calling for a good page-turner. No chord span is greater than an octave unless arpeggiated. The trombone community owes a large debt of gratitude to Ralph Sauer for the quantity and quality of work with which he has enriched our musical lives.