Review

Franz Schubert
Songs for Trombones Vol.1:

Arranged by David Mathie


Upper Nyack, NY, United States
Publisher: Alessi Publications
Date of Publication: 2007
URL: http://www.alessipublications.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones

This eight-song collection contains transcriptions of works originally for male chorus. As outlined in the preface, Dr. Mathie clearly differentiates his edits from Schubert’s original markings, noting original and transcribed keys, authors of original vocal texts, and supplying English translations for the original German performance instructions, alternate position suggestions, tempo markings, phrasing indications, and so forth. All parts are given in bass clef, voices rarely cross, and all but one is in four parts; The Spirit Dance requires five players. Dr. Mathie writes for a bass trombone in all songs, though undoubtedly for color, as a tenor-bass trombone will suffice for all technical needs and range considerations. Overall range is E-flat-a1. Players encounter few technical demands, as one would expect from transcriptions of part songs written for amateurs. Alessi Publications provides first-rate engraving. These work equally well for quartet/quintet or trombone choir. Please consider these great additions to the literature, wonderful as material for teaching concepts, most definitely fare for the concert hall, and appropriate for intermediate-level performers to professional ensembles.  

-Michael Davidson
The University of Kansas