Review

Maurice Ravel
Don Quichotte à Dulcinée:

Arranged by Bob Burnham


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

Piano score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Based on the story of Don Quixote, Maurice Ravel’s Don Quichotte à Dulcinée was originally a song cycle set for baritone and piano. It consists of three songs: Chanson Romanesque (romantic song), Chanson épique (epic song), and Chanson à boire (drinking song). Bob Burnham’s transcriptions for trombone and piano capture most of the character and spirit of the original. While each song can stand on its own musically in a performance setting, they perfectly complement each other when combined as a set.

Chanson Romanesque contains a beautiful legato melody which alternates between 3/4 and 6/8 time and is set at a moderate tempo. It spans a playing range between B-flat and f. Chanson épique is a bit more dramatic, set in 5/4 time at a deliberate tempo with an expanded dynamic range. It similarly spans from A to f. Chanson à boire explores a whimsical character; set as a 3/4 waltz-like melody with wider interval leaps, grace notes, and glissandi. It spans a similar range, from B to f.

Most high school or college level trombonists should be able to navigate these songs, and as a result present a wonderful opportunity to expose many students to the expansive tonal language of Ravel’s music. Vocal transcriptions are always a welcome addition to the trombone solo repertoire. Except for a few minor collisions, the parts and score are well-edited for clarity and legibility. Bob Burnham’s arrangement of Ravel’s Don Quichotte à Dulcinée will surely become a favorite for many trombone recitals.