Review

Nicholas Ammerbach
Pazzamezzo Antico:

Arranged by Gordon Bowie


Bangor, ME, United States
Publisher: Serendipity Press
Date of Publication: 1994

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

This little known composer (c.1530–1597) served as organist at St. Thomaskirche Leipzig and was a prominent member of the group of German composers known as ‘the colourists’ for their innovative harmony. He is an almost exact contemporary of Lassus, but stylistically could not be more different. 

The excellent notes provided in the score inform that the Pazzamezzo was a popular court dance of the late 16th century; the designation Antico indicates that the progressions in the ground bass are cast in the minor mode. The stately Pazzamezzo is followed by a slightly quicker section, La Reprisa, with third player leading, and then an energetic Saltarello; so the work is actually in three separate and well-contrasted sections, each of them repeated.

This is quite an effective transcription; the rich and indeed colourful harmony seems ideal for the medium of trombone quartet. It is of only moderate difficulty and well suited to performance by student ensembles. The second part, range c-d1, is easier than the 1st and 3rd parts, ranges e–g1 and G–f1 respectively. Bass trombone range is C–e-flat. All parts are given in bass clef. This is a most attractive and interesting piece. Further study of this group of composers could be quite rewarding; there may be many more treasures to be unearthed. Don Stratton (b.1928) is a noted trumpet player and recently retired professor from the University of Maine. Dr. Bowie is currently active as a bass trombonist, composer, and conductor in the Washington DC area.

-Keith Davies Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada