Review


Modest Mussorgsky
A Tear: Quasi Fantasia:

Arranged by Scott Mousseau


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Publisher: Wehr's Music House
Date of Publication: 2002
URL: http://www.wehrs-music-house.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

‘A Tear’ (Une larme), also known as ‘Song of Russia’ (Chanson russe), written in 1880, is one of Mussorgsky’s last piano pieces. Nowadays, like several of this composer’s more famous works, it is best known in a variety of transcriptions. This arrangement by bass trombonist Scott Mousseau is a worthy addition; it is effectively and idiomatically scored for trombone quartet. The piece is in simple ABA form; C minor–major-minor. In the B section, muted second trombone is given the melody. All parts require good technique and control of dynamics and this arrangement is suitable for experienced players who will find it agreeably challenging. Ranges are: 1st G-e2; 2nd g–d2; 3rd G–g1; 4th FF-c1. 4th part needs a double rotor. Parts are well laid out and clearly printed. The score includes short biographies of composer and arranger, spoiled unfortunately, by a number of typographical errors.

-Keith Davies Jones
University of Manitoba

Reviewer: Review Author
Review Published January 26, 2025
Appears in Journal 35:3 (July, 2007)