Review

Anton Bruckner
Christus Factus Est:

Arranged by Randall G. Malmstrom

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

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2024
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones

Christus factus est translates to "Christ became obedient." The full biblical text is stated in Philippians 2: 8-9 and reads "he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." It comes from the gradual used in the Maundy Thursday mass occurring during holy week.  Bruckner was personified by his deep Catholic faith, which resulted in a high volume of sacred compositions.  This piece is a motet for an acapella mixed choir (SATB) and was Bruckner's third setting of this text composed in 1884 during his time in Vienna.

This eight-part arrangement is scored for alto trombone on the top two parts and contrabass on the lowest part.  The first part extends up to f2 while the second part (playable on tenor) includes a few brief statements up to c2.  The contrabass part employs a DD.  The original key of d minor is used in this arrangement and suits the trombone ensemble very well.  The music is somber and serious as one would expect with passion music used during holy week.  A sostenuto style is prevalent throughout the majority of the piece with the exception of a pointed half note tutti section played fortissimo in the latter half.

Wagner's influence on Bruckner can be heard in this arrangement through rich chromatic harmonies.  Only here in a quiet sacred setting rather than a large-scale symphonic work.  The forward pressing harmonies negate the stagnation that often plague low brass writing in this style.  This arrangement superbly utilizes the ominous expression and drama of the trombone to convey the text.  The wide range and use of alto trombone and contrabass trombone along with the use of chromaticism makes this arrangement a great addition to the library of advanced trombone choir music.