Review

Charles Gounod
Gounod & the Trombone:

Arranged by Benny Sluchin


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

Charles Gounod, best known for his operas Faust and Roméo et Juliette, was also a prolific composer of French mélodies. His songs are marked by lyrical elegance, expressive harmonic color, and a natural vocal line that adapts effectively to sustained wind phrasing.

This collection includes seven songs: À la Nuit (Andante), Mélodie No. 1 (Lento), Mélodie No. 2 (Andante), Mélodie No. 3 (Andante), Mélodie No. 4 (Larghetto), Mélodie No. 5 (Andante cantabile), and Mélodie No. 6 (Ben marcato). All are presented in bass clef and are centered primarily in the tenor/baritone register of the instrument. One selection descends to D, while another ascends to b-flat1, though most of the writing lies comfortably within a range accessible to advanced high school and college-level players.

The songs are predominantly lyrical, with a gentle dramatic sensibility that reflects their vocal origins. Sluchin’s arrangements preserve the long, singing lines and varied character of each piece, allowing performers to explore nuance of tone, phrasing, and dynamic shading. While many of the piano accompaniments are straightforward and supportive, a few contain notable contrapuntal density that may present challenges for less experienced pianists. Competent collaborative pianists, however, should find them manageable with preparation.

Because of their expressive breadth and moderate technical demands, these works function well either as individual recital selections or grouped as a set. They would also serve effectively as jury repertoire, offering opportunities to demonstrate lyrical control and stylistic sensitivity. The tessitura and musical character make them equally suitable for trombone or euphonium.

Sluchin’s arrangements provide a thoughtful and idiomatic adaptation of Gounod’s mélodies, expanding the lyrical solo repertoire available to low brass performers.