Review

John Jay Hilfiger
Four Hymn Trios:

, United States
Publisher: Wehr's Music House
Date of Publication: 2006
URL: http://www.wehrs-music-house.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 3 trombones

Taken from around the world, these four delightful hymn tunes are intended for use in worship services, instructional settings, or as recital pieces. The parts are laid out in a way that eliminates awkward page turns and the music is tonal and concise. Effective, expressive, editorial devices such as dynamics and slurs are given throughout the work, which includes a charming canon in the opening bars of the first hymn. The work stays in the middle to upper-middle range of the trombone, extending up to g1 in the first part. No particular part is more difficult than the other two, which allows the players to easily rotate parts at their own discretion. Each hymn is relatively short; there are no repeats or unnecessary repetitions of phrases and therefore it is not taxing. Hilfiger’s arrangement is fitting for a group of young high-school trombone players and should not pose a problem for more advanced trombonists. It is worth mentioning that other bass clef instruments can play this piece too, making Four Hymn Trios a perfect addition to any band director’s music library.

-Tom Pylinski
Malone University, Canton, OH