Review

Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No.5, First Movement:

Arranged by Charles Small


Denton, TX, United States
Publisher: Kagarice Brass Editions
Date of Publication: 1994

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones

This is a fine arrangement of arguably the most famous piece of classical music ever written. Charles Small, well-known trombonist and composer of Conversation, a duet for tenor and bass trombone with piano accompaniment, has set the music for eight trombones without specifying alto, tenor, or bass trombone parts. The use of at least one alto trombone and one bass trombone seems appropriate.  

This project begs the question: Just because it can be done, should it be done? I suspect orchestral trombonists, who sit in silence through three movements of this symphony (and many other orchestral works), will have an answer that differs from other musicians and audiences with no sense of adventure. At any rate, the piece is quite challenging. The first part goes up to e2, and the first six parts are partially written in tenor clef. Programming a piece known to everyone necessitates careful preparation lest comparisons to the original obfuscate this multi-trombone version. The ensemble should devote at least a passing thought as to what is to be gained from the time expended rehearsing a novelty that requires eight excellent players.

-Joel Elias
Sacramento State University