Review

Vladislav Blazhevich
Russian Folksongs: Volume 2

Chicago, IL, United States
Publisher: Briar Music Press
Date of Publication: 2009
URL: http://www.briarmusic.com

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

The title of this volume is slightly misleading; of the seven selections included none is unequivocally a folk song. U Kaluzhskih Vorot comes from the Russian choral tradition. Dolya Bednayaka appears to be a composition by Kiselev; Pastushek, Vostochnaya Melodia (Middle Eastern Melody) and Waltz Scherzo are original compositions by Blazhevich. The remaining selections are The Happy Farmer by Schumann, Funeral March by Chopin and Wedding March by Wagner.

All the Russian pieces are in minor keys, and somewhat sombre in character, emphasised by markings such as con dolore. The most substantial selection is Waltz Scherzo. Its meno mosso section expresses a melancholy that might be quintessentially Russian, or might reflect the troubled times in which the composer lived. Each of the upper three parts takes a turn as soloist. Fourth part has the solo in the Happy Farmer. 

Alto clef is used throughout for first part as is customary in Russia; this does not indicate use of the alto trombone. Range tops out at d-flat2. An alternative part in tenor clef is included. Fourth part is playable on tenor trombone with F-attachment; lowest note is D-flat. Overall this is a worthwhile collection of pieces for trombone quartet, some familiar and some unfamiliar, exploring different technical aspects of quartet playing and most having some musical interest. Production of score and parts is of high quality. 

Vladislav Blazhevich (1881-1942) was principal trombone of the Bolshoi Orchestra from 1906 to 1928; in 1920 he was appointed professor at the Moscow Conservatory and held that position until his death. His many works for trombone include method books, technical studies and 13 concertos. A biographical sketch by Andrey Kharlamov appeared in ITAJ vol.36 no.3, July 2008. An article by Viktor Summerkin appeared in Brass Bulletin (38) 1982.

-Keith Davies Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada