Review

Sergei Rachmaninoff
Vocalise Op. 34, No. 14: for 8-part Trombone Ensemble

Arranged by Randall G. Malmstrom

6 tenors (3 in tenor clef) 2 basses (opt. contrabass)

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

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones

Six Tenor Trombones, Bass Trombone, and Bass/Contrabass Trombone. Trombones 1, 5, and 6 are given in tenor clef; 2, 3, and 7 in bass clef. Trombone 4 is bass trombone; 8 is bass/contrabass.

Rachmaninoff wrote this very beautiful piece in 1915 when Russia was at war and descending into chaos. It’s the final section of his 14 Romances Op. 34, expressing perhaps a “Sorrow too deep for words”. The only other notable composition from that year is his ‘All Night Vigil’.

This imaginatively scored arrangement is in the original key of c-sharp minor. The melody is played in turn by trombones 1-3 and 5, which have the lion’s share. Trombones 2, 6, and 7 are in ‘supporting roles’; 4 and 8 are bass trombones. According to Cherry’s web-site, parts 1 & 8 are suitable for advanced players and parts 2-7 for advanced intermediate players.

1st trombone range is e1-d-sharp2. Trombone 8 goes down to FF. In all parts, phrases extend over three or four measures, calling for good breath control; and there are many changes in dynamic markings, calling for sensitive playing throughout.

Randall Malmstrom is a freelance trombonist/bass trombonist and arranger in Portland, Oregon.