Review

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
12 Duos K.487:

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

This collection of short duos, transcribed and edited by Ralph Sauer, was originally composed in the late 18th century. Some musicologists argue that the duos were intended for horn while others believe they were intended for Bassett horn. Mr. Sauer acknowledges that the duos have been enjoyed by various instrumental combinations over the years. Other published versions exist for a wide variety of instruments, which is a clear sign of enduring interest in these pieces. Mr. Sauer credits the Neue Mozart-Ausgabe for dynamic indications. He also reports setting the duos in three different keys to remedy a concern that trombonists “…rarely transpose.” Jazz improvisers and the legion of players who transpose clefs on melodious etudes might disagree with that assertion, but the collection holds great promise for performers and teachers nonetheless.

This edition seems ideally suited for a combination of tenor (or alto) and bass trombone.  The bottom voice routinely plays down to C, rarely strays above the bass clef staff, and only once reaches e1. The upper voice appears in tenor clef, routinely plays up to g1 and repeatedly calls for c2 and d2 with optional lower octave indications given in a few spots.  Performers interested in recital repertoire from this period will enjoy the layout, the tonal variation, four duos in F, four in G, four in A, and the challenging tessiture. Teachers will appreciate the pairing of tenor and bass clefs, the careful editing of phrasing, dynamics and formal structures, the opportunity to explore Mozart’s style, texture and form, the rhythmic independence between the two players, the inclusion of period ornamentation, ossia notation, and one example of an f double sharp.

-Bradley J. Payne
Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra