Review

Johann Sebastian Bach
Motet: Sei Lob und Preis mit Ehren (Honor, Praise and Glory Be):

Arranged by Ronald C. Dishinger


St. Cloud, MN, United States
Publisher: Medici Music Press
Date of Publication: 1983

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 4 brass

This is a beautiful piece of music, which makes an uneasy fit for brass quartet. The second trumpet and, in particular, the horn parts continue without pause. The key places the lowest voice in almost a baritone rather than bass range. When the other voices fall in above the transcription presents compounded endurance challenges and is not well suited to the intensity and brightness of brass in those registers. It is difficult to imagine a setting to perform this piece, unless it is a single service Church engagement with limited rehearsal and few other pieces. Perhaps a double quartet setting or a lower key would better tailor this fine selection for brass. As it stands, it is a problematic addition to the fine catalog of Medici Music Press. The piece does merit reading and consideration for its sheer aesthetic beauty, but misses the mark for brass quartet.

-Dave Brubeck
Miami Dade College, Kendall Campus