Review

Edwards MacDowell
Three Pieces:

Arranged by David R. Thomas

two trumpets, horn, and trombone with a trombone sub for horn

Flemington, NJ, United States
Publisher: DFT Music
Date of Publication: 1994

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 4 brass

The three pieces represented here are To a Wild Rose, A Tin Soldier’s Love, and Sung Outside the Prince’s Door. Although MacDowell wrote Concerti, Tone Poems, and a large amount of piano music, I think his songs are the most often heard. When I was a child (before television) there were several one-hour radio concerts each week where his songs were commonly sung by fine singers. The pieces are scored for two trumpets, horn, and trombone with a trombone sub for horn. As with most of MacDowell’s songs, they are set in a romantic, sentimental style. All are to be played quietly with most importance given to phrasing. To play them well will require the quartet to leave the loud, brassy style behind, which is rather refreshing to do occasionally. Ranges are not extreme although first trumpet has some skips to b-flat2. Presentation is excellent.

-Mike Halverson
Minneapolis, MN