Review

Various
30 Melodious Duets:

Arranged by Carl Strommen


Delevan, NY, United States
Publisher: Kendor Music
Date of Publication: 2009

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 2 trombones

This collection is neatly printed in score format. All the duets are one to two pages long and are organized so there are no page turns during any duet. Twelve were written by Mr. Strommen and feature titles such as Polka, The Blues, Samba, Hoe Down, and Ragtime. The others are arrangements of melodies by Mozart, Beethoven, J.S. Bach, C.P.E. Bach, Haydn, Weber, and others. The highest note in either part is g1; the lowest is B-flat. Major keys include C, B-flat, F, E-flat, A-flat, D-flat and A plus g and f minor; 18 of the 30 duets are in B-flat major or g minor. Meters include 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 2/2, 3/8 and 6/8; one uses mixed meters.

These duets are well within the technical ability of most high school level players, valuable as sight-reading material for the college studio. Their melodic content makes them enjoyable to play and some may be appropriate for an informal performance, studio recital, etc.

-Frank Gazda
Delaware State University