Review

Thomas Luis da Vittoria
O Magnum Mysterium:

Arranged by David R. Thomas

two B-flat trumpets, horn (with trombone substitute part) and trombone

Flemington, NJ, United States
Publisher: DFT Music
Date of Publication: 1992

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 4 brass

Scored for the usual two B-flat trumpets, horn (with trombone substitute part) and trombone, this arrangement will not challenge the high tessitura of any of the instruments unless the sub trombone part is used, but rather continuous playing with few rests does require strong embouchures. All parts provide comfortable melodic lines with opportunities to sing musically as well as play with great intonation. There is no Grade listed in the score, however the listener will appreciate hearing this music played by experienced musicians. The ensemble that read this piece used the trombone substitute for horn but thought it might be a little better to use horn for the sonorities available with that instrumentation.

-Mark Lammers
Gustavus Adolphus College