Review

Johann Sebastian Bach
Frohe Hirten (Joyous Shepherds) from the Christmas Oratorio part II, BWV 248:

Arranged by David Fetter

tenor trombone, flute, piano/harpsichord, and ‘cello/contrabass (optional)

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2008
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Chamber Music

This is a tenor aria transcribed for trombone with Bach’s original flute obbligato and continuo, and in the original key of E minor. Figured bass is included. It is a quite demanding piece for a tenor soloist, even more so for trombone, with long ornamented lines including unbroken sequences of thirty-second notes played at a tempo of eighth = 90, calling for secure technique and breath control. Achieving a good balance with the flute requires a controlled dynamic level throughout. Trombone part is given in tenor clef and ranges from d-sharp to a1. For advanced players, this is a welcome addition to the somewhat limited quantity of music by Bach available for our instrument. It might also be an excellent solo opportunity for a sackbut player.

David Fetter is former principal trombonist of the Baltimore Symphony and faculty member at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Howard University.

-Keith Davies Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada