Review

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Arabian Dance: from the Nutcracker:

Arranged by Michael Wall


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

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

Canadian trombonist François Lávesque has arranged two lesser-known portions of the beloved Tchaikowsky ballet for brass quintet. The selected pieces are taken from the second act in which six character dances are performed for Clara, the Prince and the Kingdom of Sweets. Neither work is exceedingly challenging for any of the individual performers, nor are they difficult to prepare on the ensemble level. Range in concert pitch: trumpets b-flat to b-flat2, horn d to d2, trombone d to b-flat1, tuba BB-flat to f. The texture of each piece follows that of their original counterparts quite literally, almost to a fault. Ostinato found in the low strings of the original “Arabian Dance” are transcribed in their entirety to the trombone and tuba parts. These two musicians are then found repeating the same one-measure pattern for over three minutes, wearing on their focus and stamina. Helpful cues are provided so performers can keep track of the rest of the ensemble but an exchange of voices would have deferred this problem. However, if keeping true to the original work was Lávesque’s intention and priority, both pieces successfully accomplish that objective. The arrangements are easy, pleasant to hear and function effectively as repertoire for a beginning brass quintet at the advanced high school or beginning college level. Lávesque was earning his master’s degree at the University of British Columbia under Gordon Cherry at the time of publication.

-Cory Mixdorf
University of Arkansas