Review

Ludwig van Beethoven
The Heavens are Telling:

Arranged by Wesley Hanson


Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2007
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

Beethoven’s The Heaven’s are Telling is the fourth of his Six Songs, op.48 originally for solo voice and piano. Though arranged for trombone quartet, this arrangement will benefit from the support of additional trombones doubling the individual parts. Technical demands are limited but the upper two parts utilize tenor clef with the range of the first ascending to c2; second reaches b-flat1. The bass trombonist(s) will benefit from a double trigger as there is a BB-natural in the part, but an octave divisi is indicated if it is unavailable. The harmonic texture is mostly homophonic, much like the Three Equali, and musical challenges are greater than the technical demands. Editing of the parts is limited yet clear. This is a pleasant, effective arrangement for trombone ensemble.

-Kevin Chiarizzio
Liberty University