Review

Camille Saint-Saëns
The Swan: for Trombone and Piano

Arranged by Jaime Morales-Matos


Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2023
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Piano score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Jaime Morales-Matos’ trombone and piano arrangement of the very recognizable and beautiful melody The Swan, from Camille Saint-Saëns' treasured suite the Carnival of the Animals, is a wonderful addition to the advanced trombonist’s solo library. Soft and reserved, the Swan evokes the graceful movements and beauty of a swan gliding effortlessly across a lake. It is not a work with bombastic fortissimo moments, but one that explores the subtleties of the expressive potential that soft delicate moments can produce.

While many simply play the original cello part, our arranger has made efforts to make the work playable for trombonists representing a wider range of skill levels. Written entirely in bass clef, Morales-Matos has transposed the music from G major to E-flat major, making this more accessible for high school level trombonists. (range: c to b-flat1)

The Swan is a perfect piece for weddings, or for students looking for a short lyrical solo to work on legato playing.