Review

Heinrich Schütz
Psalm 1:

Arranged by David Fetter

brass quintet and four trombones

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2009
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Chamber Music
Secondary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 6+ brass (choir)

Wohl dem, der nicht wandelt - “Blessed is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners...” Psalm 1 was composed for two four part choirs, one of mixed voices and one of tenors and basses. As in much music of this period vocal and instrumental parts are freely interchangeable and Schütz’s (1585–1672) polychoral writing sits naturally with brass. This arrangement has parts for up to six trombones; the lowest part in the brass quintet is optional for bass trombone or tuba. Trumpet parts are written in b-flat, horn in F.

In the first half of the work the two brass groups are used antiphonally and should be as widely spaced as possible. Following a powerful statement employing both groups, the antiphonal writing becomes increasingly energetic with eighth and sixteenth note patterns building to a powerful climax using all forces playing repeated and heavily accented eighth notes. Brass parts are of moderate difficulty; only the first trombone part in the quartet poses any real challenge with tessitura lying almost entirely above the bass staff, range d-a1. An optional part for organ is provided as alternative to the brass quintet. The initial tempo marking is incorrect; it should be half note = 68. David Fetter is a Trombone faculty member at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and a former member of the Cleveland Orchestra.

-Keith Davies Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada