Review

Anton Bruckner
Adagio: extract from Symphony No. 6

Arranged by Randall Malmstrom

Alto, 2 tenors (1 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 - 5 trombones

Randall Malmstrom has seamlessly woven excerpts from the Adagio movement of Bruckner’s Sixth Symphony into a five-part trombone choir arrangement. The Adagio is a lush, slow-moving work filled with subtle dynamic moments that ultimately culminate in passages of great emotional intensity. This is not the loud, bombastic Bruckner that brass musicians often associate with the composer, but a more restrained, deeply expressive composition that is wonderfully musical.

This five-part arrangement is scored for alto trombone, two tenor trombones, bass trombone, and contrabass trombone, requiring strong players on both alto and contrabass trombone parts, making it most appropriate for a professional or large advanced university ensemble. Though written for only five voices, the arrangement would reach its fullest realization with multiple performers on each part. Some of the low parts are extremely low and sustained, making a shared or divisi breathing approach particularly practical.

The top two voices are notated in alto and tenor clefs, respectively, while the lower voices remain entirely in bass clef. The arrangement is also an excellent showcase for the contrabass trombone, an instrument that is becoming increasingly utilized. Fittingly, the score is dedicated to John Ohnstad, an internationally recognized contrabass trombone artist.

For ensembles with the personnel and technical ability to perform this work, Malmstrom’s arrangement offers a rewarding opportunity to explore Bruckner’s extraordinary orchestral writing. It is a beautiful and challenging addition to the repertoire, and one that should leave both performers and audiences in satisfied awe.

Adagio, extract from Symphony No. 6 was donated for review by Cherry Classics Music and is available at www.CherryClassics.com.  Written-pitch instrument range: DD to c2.