Review

Francis Scott Key
The Star-Spangled Banner:

Arranged by Gottschalk/Bergler

2 E-flat trumpets, 2 B-flat trumpets, 2 Horns in F, 2 trombones, bass trombone, tuba

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 1993 / 2023
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

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

There are countless arrangements of The Star-Spangled Banner, and Geoffrey Bergler offers a compelling addition with his version for ten-part brass ensemble. Scored for a standard double quintet—four trumpets, two horns, two trombones, bass trombone, and tuba—this arrangement draws inspiration from Louis Moreau Gottschalk’s piano setting of the National Anthem. Bergler incorporates a familiar yet engaging accompanimental texture and seamlessly passes the main melodic material between voices, adding interest and depth throughout the ensemble.

A few notes on the parts: the trumpet section is divided between two e-flat and two b-flat parts, and both trombone parts are written in tenor clef. From an educational/versatility of performers perspective, optional B-flat trumpet parts and bass clef trombone parts would have been appreciated to make the arrangement more accessible for less advanced or younger ensembles. Another point of concern is the quality of the PDF files provided. The parts appear to be scanned from printed originals, and unfortunately, several suffer from scanning issues that compromise readability.

Despite these drawbacks, this arrangement is musically strong and would make an excellent choice to open a patriotic program, a Veterans Day concert, or any event where a dignified and stirring rendition of the National Anthem is fitting.

The Star Spangled Banner was donated for review by Cherry Classics Music and is available at www.CherryClassics.com. Written-pitch instrument ranges: combined e-flat trumpets – a to g2, combined B-flat trumpets – b-flat to g2, combined horns – b-flat to g2, combined trombones – b-flat to e-flat1, bass trombone F to g, and tuba – FF to e-flat.