Review

Alexander Scriabin
Two Pieces for Trombone and Piano: from Two Pieces for Left Hand

Arranged by Bob Burnham

Trombone and piano

Vancouver, BC, , Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2017
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Alexander Scriabin composed his Prélude et Nocturne Op.9 for the left hand after over-practicing the piano and injuring himself. The opus became a favorite of performers and audiences since its first publication. Retitled Two Pieces for Trombone and Piano, Burnham’s arrangement joins a canon of famous lyrical piano pieces adapted for our instrument.

 

Like many of the borrowed lyric repertoire for trombone, the work showcases the songful capabilities of the horn in its high tessitura; the accompaniment remains mostly the same. The only significant differences are octave displacements and transposition to B-flat minor in the Prélude – the original key is C-sharp minor. The piece requires sensitivity and stamina from the performer. The melodies are delicate and long, which demands control, endurance, and refined interpretation.

 

These pieces can provide a substantial addition to advanced undergraduate through professional level recitals. Scriabin is one of the most celebrated Russian composers of the 20th century. Surprisingly, there are only a few transcriptions of Scriabin’s music for trombone. Burnham’s arrangement is a significant contribution to our community and helps fill this gap.