Review

Antonín Leopold Dvořák
Serenade Op.44:

Arranged by Geoffrey Bergler

four trumpets, three horns, two trombones, bass trombone, and tuba

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2011
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 6+ brass (choir)

Originally written for two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, three horns, and cello and/or bass, in d minor, Bergler set this edition for four trumpets, three horns, two trombones, bass trombone, and tuba, in c minor. The trumpet 1 part indicates both b-flat and piccolo instruments, and the third part indicates flugelhorn and e-flat trumpet. Mutes are indicated in some of the parts. The 75-page manuscript score includes all four movements and lasts approximately 25 minutes. The four movements are marked: I. Moderato, II. Minuetto, III. Andante, IV. Finale-Allegro Molto.

Mr. Geoffrey Bergler, veteran trumpeter of the Seattle Symphony, has invested a tremendous amount of time and effort into this transcription. While the parts and score are hand written manuscript, they are easy to read. One wonders why this was not arranged with notation software so that instrument substitutions, i.e. horn for trumpet 4 or euphonium for horn 2, could be easily included.  

Each part contains a set of technical and musical challenges. Except for the necessity of the alternate trumpet instruments, most parts are technically accessible. For the most part, ranges are not extreme. In one instance horn 2 descends to A; tuba has one d1, and both trombones must read tenor clef. Stylistic marks are clearly defined. Ornaments may present a challenge, especially those occurring simultaneously in more than one part. Capturing the lightness of the woodwind ensemble sound in a brass dectet is the primary challenge posed in this arrangement.  

At the time of this review, the work is available for download as a Portable Digital Format file for $60.00. According to the program notes, this work was arranged for “advanced performers.” It seems that a college brass ensemble could successfully program this as the bulk of a concert performance. Much of the spirit of the original composition is effectively retained and will provide audiences a pleasing variety of moods.

-David Stern
Lewiston, Maine