Review

Ludwig van Beethoven
Drei Mehr Equali:

Arranged by M. LaFratta

1 alto, 2 tenors (1 in tenor clef), 1 bass

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2025
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

Drei Mehr Equali (Three More Equali) is an adaptation of Beethoven’s string quartets for four trombones by Mark LaFratta in three movements. The first, second, and third movements use source material from Beethoven’s 14th, 15th, and 16th string quartets, respectively. Each movement is adagio or lento, creating a solemn and reflective mood while beautifully accommodating the original string timbre for trombone. The instrumentation is alto, two tenors, and bass trombone with a range from CC in the bass trombone to c2 in the alto part. While there are not any explicitly challenging rhythmic or ensemble alignment elements, there is a nuanced stylistic understanding needed for this 18th century music which makes this arrangement a perfect pedagogical tool for intermediate-advanced students. LaFratta aids the performers by dictating who has melodic material where, spreading the wealth between all parts. I highly recommend programming this piece on a concert.