Review

Giovanni Croce
Audi, o Domine, vocem orantis:

Arranged by Fabio Rovere

5 tenors (2 in tenor clef) 1 bass

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

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 6 trombones

Giovanni Croce (1557-1609) was a high Renaissance composer of that Venetian school best known for the Gabrielis and Monteverdi. In fact, Croce was maestro di cappella at St. Mark’s in Venice from 1603 until his death in 1609. As reference points, Monteverdi assumed this position in 1613. Giovanni Gabrieli lived from the 1550’s to 1612 becoming principal organist in 1585. Bass trombonist Fabio Rivere teaches at Conservatorio Vicenze in Italy and performs with the OPV Orchestra.

This 6-part transcription, the title of which translates to Hear, O Lord, My Prayer from Psalm 14, bears the stylistic traits one would expect from a Venetian polychoral work, having six parts instead of eight. Besides the usual, there is also imitative counterpoint that doesn’t adhere strictly to the practice of one choir echoing the other. Many entrances employ the standard canzona rhythm or slight variations.

When rehearsing this piece, all six parts have a great deal of rhythmic independence so careful counting will be needed. This piece includes dynamics which may have been in the original. As a point of reference, Gabrieli’s Sonata Pian e Forte, work known for its early use of dynamic markings, dates from 1597. It is important that ensembles observe these dynamics carefully; they are terraced, meaning abrupt changes without crescendos or diminuendos. In the broad homorhythmic sections, I would suggest a more tenuto style. In the little contrapuntal fanfares, a more pointed style articulation would help to improve clarity. Beyond the written dynamics, it will be important for performers to understand what to bring out and what to play sotto voce.

In range the top voice is quite reasonable, sometimes extending up to g1. The top two voices are in tenor clef. Trombone 6 frequently extends down to C and would benefit greatly from being played by a true bass trombonist. For purposes of blend, it will be important for this player not to stick out of the texture. 

At the time of writing, the Cherry Classics website has a nice recording of Rovere’s trombone class performing this transcription. Parts and score are clean and well laid-out. If you are looking for music to perform in the style of Gabrieli, this is worth your attention.