Review

Domenico Scarlatti
Three Sonatas:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


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

Piano score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Masterful arranger, Ralph Sauer, arranged Domenico Scarlatti’s Three Sonatas for both tenor trombone with piano and bass trombone (or tuba) with piano. The two versions are identical with the exception of the octave of the solo part - the piano part remains the same in both. The tenor trombone solo is written in tenor clef and has a range of B to d2 (or an optional e2) whereas the range in the bass trombone solo includes BB to e. Sauer uses three unique Scarlatti sonatas, K. 108, K. 234, and K. 430. The first and third movements are both in a spirited 3/8 time with a dance-like style to them. They bookend the work in a brilliant way to be engaging to the audience and feature the technical prowess of the soloist. In between, the middle movement is melancholic featuring a lyrical, slow melody in g minor. This work would be a wonderful addition to a student’s recital and I would recommend both versions to an intermediate-advanced player.