Review

Richard Wagner
Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral from “Lohengrin”:

Arranged by Gordon Cherry


Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 1999
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 9+ trombones (choir)

You’ve played the band arrangements of this warhorse so many times you are almost convinced that it was originally written for band (it wasn’t). You’ve played trombone ensemble versions of it that were so thick and loud that you swore off playing any arrangements of Wagner unless you got to play the first part… by yourself! Simmer down, pull up a chair, and enjoy this soothing, full-bodied version by master arranger Gordon Cherry. His adaptation of this emotional masterpiece is written for 2 alto trombones, 6 tenors, and 2 basses, all divided into two groups (as in 2a and 2b, etc). This labeling and division of parts allows players to recognize when to stagger breathing and when to play independently when parts are divided. The five octave spread, from DD-flat to e-flat2, allows for a clarity of line and sumptuousness of harmonic interplay not often found in romantic transcriptions. Great care is given to a distribution of dynamics that keeps the musical lines in a discernible hierarchy. And the simple, syncopated rhythmic accompaniments keep the piece from getting bogged down. The meeting of great music and an idiomatically creative treatment allow the power and lyricism of this treasure to be brought to the fore. This transcription should satisfy and challenge any trombone ensemble.

-Joel Elias
Sacramento State University