Brahms Twelve Songs, Opus 44 were originally composed between 1859 and 1866 for his Women\'s Chorus in Hamburg, which he founded in 1959. These songs are some of the only a cappella works of his. Several of the songs have folk origins, however No. 10 is more serious (If You Walk Through the Churchyard). This collection is Brahms\' nod to the choral traditions of the Renaissance and early Baroque.

Mr. Sauer has produced a lovely score that is perfect for intermediate level performers, the music being in bass clef and of moderate technical difficulty and range. Each song is between 1 and 2 minutes in length.

These TWO SUITES were composed in response to a request form Heini Schneebeli, the musical director of ?TROMBONANZA 2017?. Santa Fe in Argentina is the backdrop for this exciting annual event involving many hundreds of student and professional players.

The FIRST SUITE has three movements and is intended for a trio of younger tenor trombonists working with a teacher on bass trombone who will add richness and depth to the ensemble sound.

It is my hope that this piece will encourage, entertain and challenge student players and provide useful concert material for use in the promotion of this unique and versatile instrument.

John Frith - 2017

This work is appropriate for younger performers at an intermediate level all in bass clef. The three movements total about 5 1/2 minutes in length and have the following titles:

1. Totem Tango

2. Full Steam Ahead

3. Clowning Around