Categories: SOLOS - Euphonium, NEW & RECENT Publications Composer: Camille Saint Saens Arranger: Eric Wilson
Saint-Saëns didn’t write this piece for euphonium, of course – the title is the arranger's. He did, though, toward the end of his life, write sonatas for three ‘neglected’ instruments: oboe, clarinet, and in 1921, bassoon. It's from this, his final work, that the present transcription has been made. Aimed to fill a gap in the euphonium repertory of material of some substance suitable for advanced recital use by advanced players who can boast great technique and a full command of the instrument’s range. Following the classical three movement model an opening movement alternates between major and minor key areas. A perky scherzo follows; also trading major and minor key sections in a virtuosic jaunt. (This movement works well as a stand-alone piece, too.) The interesting final movement begins with an extended adagio before a fast, showy final section requiring great panache!
Supplied with parts for soloist in bass clef or B-flat treble clef
Categories: NEW & RECENT Publications, SOLOS - B♭. Cornet/Trumpet with Piano Composer: Rugerro Leoncavallo Arranger: Eric Wilson
There’s something about Italian vocal music that is well-suited to brass instruments; whether it is vibrant bravura writing or a soaring cantilena. Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Mattinata (Morning or Morning Serenade, to be more poetic) certainly soars and captures the sparkle of a bright new day. The lyrics (by the composer himself) are a greeting from a lover to his partner urging her to awaken and come to him – sunlight is missing without her!
The music is suitably bright and cheery, becoming slightly more grandiose toward the end. In arranging it for trumpet I wanted to provide players with something in D major that wasn’t a Baroque trumpet tune and featured lyrical yet agile lines.
The song has the distinction of being the first written especially for recording. That recording was made by the Gramophone and Typewriter Company (known today as HMV) in Milan Italy in 1903 and features the great Enrico Caruso accompanied by the composer at the piano. You can listen to it at https://archive.org/details/mattinata1903 although there are countless modern recordings to listen to as well. Some tempo markings are given in parenthesis and I’d urge players explore their own interpretation.
Categories: SOLOS - Euphonium, NEW & RECENT Publications Composer: Frank Bridge Arranger: Eric Wilson
Dating from the 1940s, British composer Frank Bridge’s Meditation is an effective balm for the soul. Its soothing, melancholy melody – rather Elgarian in style – flows serenely and perfectly suits the warm voice of the euphonium. Bridge’s love for expressive music is certainly apparent, with melodic ideas that sing over a rich harmonic accompaniment.
Supplied with parts for soloist in bass clef or B-flat treble clef
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