Review

Ralph Vaughan Williams
Six Studies in English Folk Song:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer

Bass trombone and piano

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2016
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with piano

Six Studies in English Folk Song has been adapted for nearly every instrument since its composition in 1926. Anyone who has heard this short collection will not be surprised as each melody exemplifies Euclidean-like perfection in its marriage of depth and simplicity. The work has enjoyed an underground life in the trombone community as a common transcription. With this arrangement Mr. Sauer brings these melodies back to surface.

The biggest changes one will find in this arrangement are the phrase markings, breath marks and articulations. The phrase markings and breath marks trace the original text of the folk songs and are appropriately subsidized by intuitive dynamic markings. The articulation is slightly less straight forward. In most instances the articulations will work beautifully for both tuba and bass trombone. The exception to this rule occurs during the staccato marked sections in the final movement. In these instances, the bass trombonist may find that slightly longer notes will bridge the stylistic gap created by the difference in physics between the tuba and bass trombone. Learning this distinction, alone, may be enough of a reason to have a younger college student work on this collection.

Range and tessitura of the songs reflect the intention for them to be played by tuba or bass trombone and they are easily accessible to even the beginner. This accessibility, however, does not in any way compromise the many artistic opportunities that each movement provides. Interestingly, these pieces all end at the lower end of the dynamic scale. This creates a beautiful dovetail affect that may lend these “studies” to the midpoint of a full recital. Six Studies in English Folk Song is an old friend with a makeover, and will make a welcomed addition to any bass trombonist’s library.