Transcriptions and Arrangements of String, Vocal, and Woodwind Repertoire Adapted for Trombone

Abstract

As a trombonist and teacher of music, it is essential to be knowledgeable of standard and current trombone repertoire. Although there are some brilliant works for the instrument such as concertos by Ferdinand David and Lars Eric Larson, the amount of repertoire available to trombonists is small compared to that available to other instruments.

This dissertation focuses on solo and chamber music originally composed for strings, voices or woodwinds, and later transcribed for trombone. My intention is to expand the trombone repertoire for college level players by presenting music that has artistic merit and that will advance the education of trombone students.

The first recital featured music originally for strings, the second consisted of music originally for voice, and the final recital featured music originally for woodwinds. Each recital included music of all style periods, from either the Renaissance or baroque through the twentieth century. While most of the music I performed was for solo trombone and piano, The Bach Cello Suite No.2 was for unaccompanied trombone, and there were two chamber works including a Corelli Trio Sonata and a brass quintet arrangement of a madrigal by Gesualdo.

Performance and detailed research of this repertoire has opened up new depths of musical knowledge and understanding for me. In studying string, vocal, and woodwind repertoire I explored each instrument's technical and musical accessibilities, unique approach to phrasing, limitations, and learned how composers from different time periods wrote for them. This project will serve as a pedagogical guide by exposing repertoire of various musical instruments and time periods, in conjunction with standard and new trombone repertoire.