Review

Felix Mendelssohn
Allegro Maestoso e Vivace: from the organ Sonata in c minor op.65 no.2 (1844)

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Publisher: Wehr's Music House
Date of Publication: 2004
URL: http://www.wehrs-music-house.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones

Mark Prater is himself both a trombonist and organist. This combination ideally qualifies him to transcribe a standard organ work for brass instruments. Judging by this fine transcription he understands trombone capabilities well. Prater presents Mendelssohn’s piece as an arrangement for 5 low brass including horn. Parts are provided for four trombones and 1 tuba and alternative parts for horn, 2 euphoniums, and an additional tuba. All parts require a minimal amount of technical ability and ranges are playable; the bottom most part is attainable by a solid bass trombonist. The first part (trombone in tenor clef) has a range of f-b-flat1 and includes one trill on c1; trombone 2 in tenor clef has a range of c-f1; trombone 3 in bass clef has a range of F-e-flat1; the bass trombone part has a range of F-b-flat; and the tuba range is FF-b. The tempo is marked at quarter = 108.

Quite usable for recital or church work, this work is especially suitable for a wedding setting. Nicely transcribed, it is a fine addition to the literature. If you are interested in obtaining the work I suggest going to the Wehr’s Music House web site as no postal information is included with the work or on the web site.

-Robert Kehle
Pittsburg State University