Review

Edward MacDowell
To a Wild Rose:

Arranged by Jamie Wehr


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Publisher: Wehr's Music House
Date of Publication: 1995
URL: http://www.wehrs-music-house.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

Edward MacDowell (1860-1908) studied in both Paris and Germany, where his works drew the attention of Franz Liszt. During his lifetime he was considered one of America’s leading composers and his music was widely performed. This work is taken from Ten Woodland Sketches, Op. 51; it is most likely his best remembered piece. Originally for piano, this transcription by Jamie Wehr for brass quintet will prove useful to working brass quintets looking for music suitable for weddings or other settings where a brief romantic interlude is required. It is also a good recital encore and is easily playable by most amateur and student ensembles. Though the quality of the arrangement is excellent and the individual parts are all easily readable, the layout of the music on the page could have been better organized to match phases, and rehearsal numbers could have been better placed. Trumpet parts are included in both C and B-flat. The trombone part is given in bass clef with a range of G to g1 and offers no serious technical challenge. Though tuba is indicated for the lowest part, it could easily be played on trombone without an F attachment. 

-Wayne Groves
Aguascalientes Symphony Orchestra