Review

Emmanuel Chabrier
Caprice and Danse Villageoise:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer


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

Piano score and solo part

Primary Genre: Solo Tenor Trombone - with piano

These selections are drawn from a set of 10 pieces for piano that Chabrier (1841-1894) wrote in 1880-81. In 1888 he orchestrated Danse Villageoise. This arrangement is dedicated ‘In Memory of Dietrich Emory Sauer’.

Caprice is in c-sharp minor and 4/4 time. It begins with the tempo direction Lento e declamativo (rubato). The trombone plays solo in the first four measures; its part is marked forte and many of the notes are accented. In the following passage, marked Sostenuto e molto tranquillo, the dynamic increases up to fortissimo in m20, returning to piano in m22. The solo part ends piano on c-sharp2 in m33; the piano concludes two measures later, pianissimo on a chord of C-sharp major. The 2nd section, Danse Villageois is in 2/4 time, marked Allegro resoluto, and has three sections in a minor, A major, and a minor, respectively. Again, a wide range of dynamics is indicated; at m117, both parts are marked sempre dolce.

The solo part, which is quite demanding, is given in tenor clef throughout. Overall range is B - d2 with optional b-flat1. There are many short grace notes, a short passage in 32nd notes in m4, and a trill on b1 in m6. Dynamics range from pp and dolce to ff, calling for sensitive playing throughout. The piano part is also not easy. If well played, this piece will have both grace and much beauty.