Review

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
The Magic Flute, K.625: Suite in 4 Movements

Arranged by Sonny Ausman

four trombones and bass voice

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2006
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Chamber Music
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

The four movements of the Suite comprise the ‘March of the Priests’ (aka ‘O Canada’); ‘Fanfare,’ the ‘knock on the door,’ 3 chords that are so simple, yet psychologically difficult to play; Sarastro’s ‘Aria’ and the ‘Chorus of the Priests.’ The Aria includes the bass solo, ‘O Isis und Osiris,’ in the original key and in the original German, which can optionally be performed by a solo bass trombone. 

Everyone loves to play Mozart and this well-written transcription, which is of moderate difficulty only, gives trombonists an opportunity to enjoy his divine melodies and sonorous harmonies. All four movements are in slow tempi, Andante and Adagio.  Ranges are comfortable, the first part topping out with a single c2. Bass goes down to AA. Score and parts are printed with exemplary clarity. The arranger, Sonny Ausman, is a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic trombone section.

-Keith Davies Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada