Review

Johann Sebastian Bach
Two Part Inventions:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


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

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 2 trombones

The Two Part Inventions of Bach have long been a part of the trombonist’s duet repertoire. They are a good introduction to the music of the Baroque, Bach, and ornamentation. Mr. Sauer’s approach to ornamentation sets his transcription apart from many of the others available. There are few changes from the original keyboard version, with the same key and meter signatures used here. Pitch levels are sometimes adjusted at the octave to keep the music in a comfortable range for the trombonist. The first part is given in tenor clef and encompasses the range of F-sharp to c2. The second part is given in bass clef and encompasses the range of C to b-flat1. Ossias are provided to enable performance without an F-attachment. 

Mr. Sauer adds tempo markings, phrasing possibilities, and a few options for breaths in each of the Inventions. The greatest addition to this transcription is ornamentation. As the introduction states: “Mr. Sauer has included ornaments that aren’t necessarily stylistically accurate, but that are appropriate for the trombone.” Some ornaments are written out while others are indicated by symbol only. The vast majority of the ornaments used are mordents and turns, with appoggiaturas and trills appearing in some of the later Inventions. The inclusion of these possible ornaments makes for a great practice tool when performed by teacher and student. The Two Part Inventions are appropriate for college level trombonists and provide good technical, phrasing, ornamentation, and duet reading practice.

-Andrew Converse
Northwest Vista College