Review

Anton Bruckner
Tota pulchra es WAB 46:

Arranged by Jeff Reynolds

1 alto, 4 tenors (1 in tenor clef), 2 basses, 1 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

Originally a sacred motet by Anton Bruckner for solo, choir, and organ, Tota pulchra es is now available for the trombone ensemble medium. Jeff Reynolds arranged the brief four minute work for a trombone octet comprised of alto trombone, four tenor trombones, two bass trombones, and a contrabass trombone. Reynolds includes a tenor clef version of the alto trombone part which creates a more obtainable option if a student does not yet know alto clef or trombone; however, there is no substitute for the contrabass part so it does pose an inaccessibility issue if one does not have access to the instrument. The contrabass part’s range goes down to EE-flat and the alto part caps at e2. This piece is incredibly nuanced and requires the technique, delicacy, and musical interpretation of advanced players. I would not recommend this piece for intermediate students and instead encourage advanced students and professionals to perform this work. This arrangement would be a wonderful representation of Bruckner’s sacred music in a concert.