Review

Robert Schumann
Fantasy Pieces Op.73:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2009
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

Ralph Sauer, former Principal Trombone of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, has been doing a great deal of arranging since his retirement. The present transcription of Schumann’s Fantasiestücke, originally for cello or clarinet and piano, is a case in point. Sauer has done excellent work here, adapting some passages to accommodate the instrument while preserving the integrity of the work. The entire piece is transposed down one whole step, which avoids some awkward high notes for the trombonist. In addition, tempos are modified to suit the trombone. The first movement has a somewhat faster tempo than the Schumann original; the others are a bit slower. Dynamics are modified, in many cases changing p to mp or f to mf, to maintain proper balance.

Other changes in the music, especially in the first two of the Fantasy Pieces, include the replacement of a small crescendo-diminuendo on one note [<>] with a simple accent [>]. It can be argued that such a replacement in a legato phrase does not make such a big difference, but the concern remains. In the third piece the accent often replaces the sf or sfp indication. A characteristic string figuration like the double notes in the last piece is changed to a simple series of single notes in the transcription. Other changes are small and relatively unimportant.

The technical demands are great in this transcription, which I would say is intended for upper level college or professional level players. Given the beauty of the music and the overall excellence of the transcription, it is my opinion that these pieces represent an excellent contribution to the solo repertoire of the trombone. Our thanks go to Mr. Sauer for his dedication and his excellent work!

-Philip Brink
Mahidol University College of Music