Review

Johann Joseph Fux
Alma Redemptoris Mater K.186:

Arranged by Richard I. Schwartz and Mark J. LaFratta

alto trombone, soprano, organ

Coventry, , United Kingdom
Publisher: Warwick Music Publishers
Date of Publication: 2004
URL: http://www.warwickmusic.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Chamber Music

This is quite a nice arrangement done by Messrs. Schwartz and LaFratta of a significant Viennese Baroque work c.1728 for alto trombone in alto clef and soprano voice. It was probably intended for trombonist Leopold Christian, Sr. or Jr. The title Alma Redemptoris Mater translates to Sweet Mother of the Redeemer and is one of many settings of the famous Marian antiphon. There is a version of this piece edited by Ron Babcock and published by Kagarice Brass Editions with the original instrumentation of alto trombone, soprano, two violins, and basso continuo with optional bassoon and cello parts. This version by Schwartz and LaFratta makes its own realization of the figured bass incorporating the violin parts into the realization for the organ. As such, this yields a modern performance edition for which only soprano, organ and alto trombone are required. This is one of several such arias they have published with Warwick Music.  

The information provided in the liner notes add to the attractiveness of the edition. There is also a translation of the Latin text included. The alto part requires a solid player, but not one of great virtuosity. It is quite playable on tenor trombone ranging f-c2. However the timbre of the alto is much preferred over the tenor. The soprano vocal part covers the range of d1 - a-flat2. The work consists of seven sections marked: Andante, Allegro, Adagio, Un poco allegro in 4/4 meter and then into a 3/4 section, Un poco allegro in 4/4, and Andante in 3/2 meter. The initial two sections are an extended instrumental introduction of some 28 measures.

I believe this work makes a great addition to the growing number of pieces for alto trombone and voice. It is extremely well done and nicely presented. Page turns are well thought out and the addition of a vocal part separate from the organ reduction is an asset. In addition Warwick Music provides a copy of page one of the score in pdf format on their web site.

-Robert Kehle
Pittsburg State University