Review

Heinrich Schütz
Two Sacred Pieces: from Musikalische Exequien

Arranged by Kenneth Biggs

8-part trombone ensemble: 2 alto, 4 tenor, 2 bass trombones

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2021
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts.

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones

Heinrich Schütz wrote his Musikalische Exequien, Op.7 (SWV 279–281) in 1635–6 for the funeral services of Henry II, Count of Reuss-Gera. This work, though not well known, is currently considered to be the first requiem composed in the German language. Originally cast as a choral work with continuo accompaniment, Kenneth Biggs arranged the final two of its three movements—II. Motette “Herr, wenn ich nur dich habe,” and III. Canticum B. Simeonis “Herr, nun lässest du deinen Diener” (labeled in the score as movements I. and II.)—for eight part trombone ensemble.

While advertised as being written for eight part trombone ensemble, the Motette movement is scored for double trombone quartet—each consisting of an alto, two tenors, and a bass trombone. The Canticum Simeonis movement is scored for a trombone quintet—consisting of four tenors and a bass trombone—and a trombone trio—consisting of two altos and a bass trombone. In other words, this arrangement is designed to be performed by exactly eight trombonists, not a choir. Notwithstanding the scoring, the alto parts are generally low enough that one could easily cover them on tenor trombone. Likewise, the bass parts are mostly high enough that one could easily cover them on tenor trombone with F-attachment.

Kenneth Biggs’s arrangements are effectively scored, well edited versions of early Baroque choral music. With the right instrumentation, these will serve as  lovely additions to any trombone ensemble program.