Review

Johannes Brahms
Symphony No. 4 in e minor, Op. 98: Finale

Arranged by Bob Burnham

12-part trombone choir 8 tenors (2 in alto, 2 in tenor), 4 basses

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

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 9+ trombones (choir)

Bob Burnham has taken the fourth movement Finale from Brahm’s fourth symphony and arranged it into a luscious twelve-part trombone choir. This substantial arrangement attempts to replicate the overall soundscape of the full orchestra version and clocks in at a little over nine minutes long. Arranged with a professional or highly skilled university ensemble in mind, this work requires two alto, six tenor, and four bass trombones. The top two parts are written almost exclusively in alto clef, apart from a small section in tenor clef, and though it is not indicated, would probably most effectively be played on alto trombones. Parts three through eight are written in both tenor and bass clef and move across the range of the instrument, requiring strong players even on the lower parts. The bottom four parts are written for bass trombone, the lowest of which delves quite low (DD), and could effectively be doubled on contrabass trombone or tuba. Written-pitch instrument range: DD to e2

Despite the demanding instrumentation needs for this arrangement, it remains a beautiful and rewarding piece showcasing not only the delicate trombone chorale excerpt that so many trombonists are familiar with, but also equally rewarding moments in other areas previously assigned to other members of the orchestra. This work is well worth the effort for advanced ensembles looking for a challenge.