Review

George Frederic Handel
Joy to the World:

Arranged by Arthur Frackenpohl

2 b-flat trumpets, 2 trombones (alternate horn - trombone 1), organ (optional tuba and timpani)

Portland, ME, United States
Publisher: Manduca Music Publications
Date of Publication: 1996

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 4 brass
Secondary Genre: Chamber Music

The jobbing musician frequently finds that rehearsals for church gigs are few if any. So, a good setting of a traditional Christmas melody by a competent arranger is to be prized!  In addition, this scoring has plenty of flexibility. As noted above, the first trombone part has an alternate horn part and with the optional tuba and timpani parts many things are possible. If the organist is willing to read from the full score and cover missing parts, the arrangement can work with practically any combination of intended instruments. The piece is set in the key of D with the usual rhythmic sequences. First trumpet must have a solid b2 above the staff and first trombone plays a1 twice. The other instruments will find all notes in a comfortable range. This music is for the professional ensemble, however it is playable by college/university musicians with adequate rehearsal time. The Germans have a term that translates something like, “working music.” That is a fitting term for this publication. It is practical and it works!

-Mark Lammers
Gustavus Adolphus College