Review

Sergei Prokofiev
Dance of the Knights: from the ballet "Romeo and Juliet"

Arranged by Randall Malmstrom

6 tenors (4 in tenor clef), 2 basses (opt. contrabass)

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

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones

From Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet, Dance of the Knights for 8-part trombone ensemble is an exquisite arrangement by Randall Malmstrom. Written for two bass trombones (optional contrabass trombone) and eight tenor trombones, Malmstrom’s orchestration successfully creates the power and intensity of the source material’s full orchestra. The range of this piece goes from EE in the lowest bass trombone part to f2. From the standpoints of key and meter, this composition is straightforward. Malmstrom spreads the material among all parts, and while the melodic material is not overtly difficult, the extreme range requires the finesse of advanced students or professional players. In addition, contextual knowledge of Prokofiev’s style and knowing which part of the orchestra each trombone part is mimicking is important. Given the popularity of this work and its widespread familiarity among music scholars and audiences, this would be a fantastic finish to a concert, leaving the hall with a memorable tune to whistle on the way to their car.