Review

Johann Georg Albrechtsberger
Gaude Virgo and Passione Domine:

Arranged by Kenneth Hanlon

alto trombone, alto voice, piano

Birmingham, , United Kingdom
Publisher: Virgo Music Publishers
Date of Publication: 2001
URL: http://www.virgomusicpublishers.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Chamber Music

Johann Georg Albrechtsberger, an 18th century Viennese organist and composer, is probably best known to the musical world as Beethoven's counterpoint teacher (if only for a year) and to the trombone world for his 1769 Concerto in B-flat major. This edition from Virgo oddly groups together two of Albrechtsberger's lesser-known arias involving alto trombone. I say "oddly" because one of the arias, Passione Domine, is originally a duet with alto voice while the other is simply for trombone and keyboard. The pieces have different editors and copyright dates. The Aria de Passione Domine, edited by Kenneth Hanlon, bears a copyright of 1990 whereas Gaude Virgo, with a solo part edited by Ken Shifrin, has a copyright of 2001. In this edition, Passione Domine offers the choice of two trombone parts: a duet part or a solo part encompassing both voices. The shorter of the two, Gaude Virgo, is in the alto-friendly key of E-flat major with a range of a-flat to c2. The solo part has a pleasant melody with a fair amount of repetition and some opportunity to rest. This brief, pleasant aria can serve as a "starter" piece for someone learning alto assuming they can handle the tessitura. The Aria de Passione Domine, a heavier work in D minor, includes a lengthy da capo. I doubt the wisdom of performing this work without the alto voice. The soloist will have a greater physical and musical burden and the whole piece, lacking the variety of a vocal part, may run a bit long for most audiences. The duet version has a range of A to b-flat whereas the solo version ranges frequently up to d2 (an ossia part is provided). This Virgo edition is fine, including translations and program notes. If you want to infuse some alto repertoire into a recital program without taking on a concerto, these pieces can work well. However, if you are going to do the Passione Domine, collaborate with a singer. Your lips and the audience will thank you.

-Brad Edwards
University of South Carolina