Review

Franz Joseph Haydn
Overture to the Creation:

Arranged by Randall Malmstrom

1 alto, 6 tenors (6 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

Haydn’s overture to The Creation, often titled “The Representation of Chaos,” opens the oratorio with a spacious Largo marked by harmonic ambiguity and dramatic contrasts. Scored originally for Classical orchestra, it establishes a sense of awe and instability before the depiction of light and order that follows.

Randall G. Malmstrom’s arrangement is scored for double trombone quartet, with the first quartet consisting of alto, tenor, tenor, and bass trombones, and the second quartet of tenor, tenor, tenor, and contrabass trombones. While the inclusion of contrabass trombone suggests a particularly weighty texture, the part descends only to low CC and could comfortably be performed on bass trombone if necessary.

The arrangement preserves the Largo character and maintains a distinctly contrapuntal texture throughout, distributing motivic material and accompanimental figures evenly across the ensemble. Rather than relegating lower voices to purely supportive roles, Malmstrom allows each part to participate meaningfully in the musical fabric, creating sustained interest for all performers.

Approximately half of the tenor trombone parts are notated in tenor clef, which may require some adjustment for younger players but should present no obstacle for collegiate ensembles. The alto trombone part does not extend beyond c2 and could be performed on tenor trombone if needed. Technically, the writing is not especially taxing; range and endurance demands are moderate, and the primary challenges lie in blend, balance, and rhythmic coordination within the contrapuntal texture.

Because of its dignified character and distributed scoring, this arrangement would be ideally suited for an advanced college trombone ensemble. It would serve effectively as a concert opener, establishing breadth and tonal depth while showcasing ensemble cohesion. Malmstrom’s transcription offers a thoughtful and enjoyable addition to the large trombone ensemble repertoire.