Review

Alexandre Guilmant
Morceau Symphonique: bass trombone and piano

Arranged by Wade Goodwin


Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2023
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Solo Bass/Contrabass Trombone - with piano

Experienced bass trombonist and arranger Wade Goodwin knows his craft(s) well. His edition of the “old warhorse” for us tenor players, Morceau Symphonique, Op. 88 by French organist and composer Alexandre Guilmant, works very well indeed.

Avoiding the ‘transpose it down the octave’ trap, he decided to write it down a perfect fourth keeping many exciting features intact.

The bass trombone part lies well and is fun to play (I asked John Feeny, retired bass trombonist of the EL Paso Symphony for his opinion).

The lowered piano accompaniment sometimes creates a bit of “mud,” challenging the usual orchestration laws of using more open voicing in the bass clef range to achieve clarity. Let’s face it, the lowered piano part is pushing the envelope. It sounds low because it is! I suggest being very careful when finding an accompanist. It can easily morph into a pounded piano concerto. This transposition also makes possible some very meaty low range notes and allows the high climaxes to work as well. This is an exciting work in both keys.

The new cadenza has some really good motives, but overall does not flow well and is a disappointment. I am sure Dr. Goodwin could offer us some really wonderful moments in a second edition. It is good to see a “new” work that will fit wonderfully in the bass trombone recital arena.