Review

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Magic Flute Overture : arranged for eight trombones

Arranged by Randall Malmstrom

arranged for eight trombones

Vancouver, BC, , Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2016
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Grade 4

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones

This Randall Malmstrom arrangement of a famous classical composition, Mozart’s Magic Flute Overture, is a satisfying rendition of the work. Set for an eight piece trombone ensemble, it is essentially a double quartet that includes two bass trombone parts. There are a few advanced techniques in the score such as trills, and the ability to double tongue is essential to being able to execute the rapid, recurring motif. Range extends from d-flat2 in the first trombone part down to a BB-flat in the second bass trombone part. Some parts are given in tenor clef. Malmstrom seems to have a knack for dividing the melodic material to keep all players involved. Great care has been given in choosing articulations that, if followed, prevent the whole piece from becoming heavy and cumbersome. It would be a good idea to use a conductor, otherwise the players will certainly have to rely on the first trombonist to lead the slow opening and middle sections . Also, some of the parts have three to three and a half pages of music over just two and a half pages, thus giving those parts a somewhat cluttered appearance; however, this takes nothing away from the music. I’m convinced that Mozart himself would have enjoyed this “Magic Trombone Overture!”