Review

Claude Debussy
Arabesque and Danse bohémienne:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2023
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with piano

Claude Debussy's Arabesque No. 1, composed between 1888 and 1891, is a groundbreaking work in the Impressionist piano repertoire, showcasing Debussy's innovative use of harmony and tonality. Danse Bohémienne is one of Debussy's earliest surviving compositions, written in 1880 when he was just 18 years old. It showcases the composer's emerging style and fascination with Eastern European folk music. Ralph Sauer pairs these two works in this arrangement for bass trombone and piano.

Sauer sets the Arabesque up a third from the original key. This keeps this keeps the part (with octave displacement) mostly within the staff. Rapid, cascading triplet figures will be a significant technical challenge especially if the trombonist aspires to the rapid tempos of pianists. Ritards, rubatos, and stringendos provide the opportunity for many musical choices. Danse Bohémienne is set up a half step from b minor to c minor. Again, the part remains within the staff. It features the quirky, off-beat rhythms of Eastern European dance and rapid sixteenth note passages will test the technical level of the bass trombonist.

These arrangements are expertly crafted. Sauer thoughtfully incorporates sufficient rest into the trombone part. The part is well marked. His expressive suggestions and phrasing recommendations are useful. The bass trombonist will need to possess lightning-fast technique, but the reasonable tessitura will allow for a “chop break” on a longer recital.