Review

George Gershwin
Three Preludes:

Arranged by Jim Tempest

B-flat piccolo trumpet, 3 B-flat trumpets, flugelhorn, 2 horns in F, 2 tenor trombones, bass trombone, 2 euphoniums, tuba

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

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 6+ brass (choir)

Jim Tempest’s arrangement of George Geshwin’s Three Preludes for large brass ensemble offers a stylized, musically diverse, and ultimately exciting experience for the audience and performers alike. Unfortunately, as compared to brass quintet, it is rather uncommon that the large brass ensemble is showcased within this 1920s classical jazz idiom, so Mr. Tempest’s arrangement is a welcome addition to the catalogue. With a larger ensemble to arrange for, Mr. Tempest employs a broader spectrum of colors that apply very well from Gershwin’s three short piano pieces.

This brass ensemble arrangement calls for 13 players; one B-flat piccolo trumpet, three B-flat trumpets, one flugelhorn, two French horns, three trombones (two tenor and one bass), two euphoniums, and tuba. The two added euphonium parts contribute to a full low brass timbre that achieve an overall rich and at appropriate times, a mellow, sultry supporting texture. Additionally, the employment of 'intermediate' instrumental shades of the euphonium, the flugelhorn, with added cup mutes in the trombone section contribute to an overall velvet soundscape, especially in the second movement, “Blue Lullaby.”

The role of the trombone section in this arrangement is primarily supportive, with a relatively narrow range (g1 the highest note in the first trombone part and F the lowest note in the bass trombone part). This is most likely due to the inclusion of the euphonium parts which are employed with soloistic treatment, notably in the first movement, “To Bill Daly.” The jaunty third movement, “Spanish Dance,” gives a rousing minor flair to end this eclectic set of pieces. This arrangement would be a great addition to a college level brass ensemble program for genuine musical variety. Furthermore, the approachable range for most instruments, primarily homogenous texture, and relative brevity of the pieces can also support the wide accessibility of this arrangement for ensembles with technical or rehearsal time limitations.