Review

Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini
Moon River:

Arranged by James Christensen


Delevan, NY, United States
Publisher: Kendor Music
Date of Publication: 2005
URL: http://www.kendormusic.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

Trombonist/composer James Christensen’s arrangement of the classic Moon River for four trombones is another quality release in a series of publications from Kendor Music.  This familiar tune, made famous in 1962, is most appropriate for an enthusiastic group of trombonists with at least an introductory knowledge of popular music. Like other ballads Moon River is an effective study in blending and playing expressively and is a pleasure to hear or perform. Tempo should not be allowed to drag and therefore the suggested marking of Moderato (quarter note equals 90) is appropriate. This arrangement does not violate the typical collegiate trombone player’s range, extending no further than C in the bass trombone part and peaking at g1 in the first trombone part. No individual part is noticeably more difficult than the other, which should encourage part rotating between players. Alternate notes are given an octave lower in the fourth trombone part. Note that there are also many embellishments (trills, scoops, etc) left out of this arrangement that advanced players may wish to add back in.  

-Tom Pylinski
Malone University