Review

Edvard Grieg
Holberg Suite: Prelude:

Arranged by Richard Chenoweth


Orlando, FL, United States
Publisher: Wehr's Music House
Date of Publication: 1996
URL: http://www.wehrs-music-house.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

The Holberg Suite consists of five movements based on eighteenth century dance forms.  Composed by Grieg in 1884 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the great Danish-Norwegian literary figure Ludvig Holberg, the original was for piano. Later the composer arranged a version for string orchestra. This version has become one of his most beloved and oft performed works.

Dr. Richard Chenoweth is professor and coordinator of the instrumental program at the University of Dayton Department of Music. He is a member of the nationally known brass quintet, the Carillon Brass, principal horn with the Dayton Philharmonic and second horn with the Santa Fe Opera. Chenoweth’s arrangement of the short Prelude is for standard brass quintet, with the first trumpet part calling for piccolo in A. At the quick tempo proscribed, quarter note=152, this work requires excellent technical facility and a lightness of approach from all players. It makes a terrific program opener or flashy encore.

-Karl Hinterbichler
University of New Mexico