The Clef Studies by Vladislav Blazhevich, composed in 1925 are a staple of the Trombone repertoire. Their quality is superb, not only for teaching the clefs, but solid technique and musical style as well.

Karl Lyden has brilliantly arranged Three Studies for Trombone Quartet inspired by the Blazhevich Clef Studies for Trombone based on numbers 56, 54 and 65 (subtitled Five Etude having a funk feel to it). They are very musically interesting, rhythmically challenging and fun to perform.

Here is a description of the Three Studies by arranger Karl Lynden:

"The seed for the Blazhevich Three Studies for Trombone Quartet came from my desire to write for my trombone quartet during undergraduate studies at Nebraska-Lincoln. I was tinkering with study No. 64 from Blazhevich?s Clef Studies for Trombone book and began to imagine pulsating trombone chords and ostinatos. The original was in 5/8 so I dubbed that arrangement ?Five Etude?.

Several years later, I had similar experiences with two other works from the book (No. 54 and 56). For the latter No. 56, I originally imagined it as a mournful duo between trombone and cello. I then flushed out the implied harmony to allow for four trombones.

No. 54 is more harmonically dense with an active bass line. It should be played majestically but come to rest in a subsided manner.For all three studies, I deviate slightly from the written form. However, the melody always remains constant as a means of generating new textures, harmonies, and rhythms. My hope is that trombonists in quartets will experience these familiar etudes in a new light."

Beethoven's great chamber music is second to none, however, there are very few instances where the Trombone as an instrument can fit into the style of the music. With the Scherzo from String Quartet, Op. 18, No. 4, arranger Kevin Dombrowski has found the perfect fit. A quartet of trombonists at the advanced level will love performing this wonderful five minutes of music.

Ryan Diefenderfer's clever arrangement of the Traditional Christmas carol God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen for Trombone Quartet begins as a Bass Trombone feature ballad with accompanying jazz chords. Then it ramps up to a jazz waltz giving all parts a good workout.

This almost 4-minute work is appropriate for advanced performers.

The digital sound track is a rough guide to who this arrangement sounds  

Ciacona (original key of F minor for organ) has been beautifully arranged for trombone quartet in C minor by Mark LaFratta. It is probably Pachelbel?s second most famous work, after the Kanon in D. As is typical for a Ciacona (Chaconne), there is a short simple tune in triple meter over a repeating bass ostinato that provides a vehicle for variation, ornamentation, and melodic invention. It is somewhat similar to a passacaglia. There is a passage or two that even have hints of Bach's great Passacaglia, which didn't appear for many years in the future.



Pachelbel's Ciacona states an opening theme followed by 22 variations, the last of which is an almost exact repeat of the opening theme.



This fantastic 8-minute arrangement is appropriate for advanced performers and is scored for: alto trombone, 2 tenor trombones, and a bass trombone

Asturias or Leyenda (Legend) named by the composer is a 6-minute work originally written in 1892 for the Piano as part of a three-movement suite entitled Chants d'Espagne. The work is actually best known in its very popular guitar rendition.

The music is in the Andalusian flamenco style A-B-A with a malagueña as the B section.

Karl Hinterbichler has worked some technical magic with his new arrangement for Trombone Quartet. Advanced performers will have a great time working out this mesmerizing piece of music.

From the James Bond movie of the same name, Skyfall contains all the best elements of a successful Bond theme. Ideal for concert, wedding or recital, this arrangement is just as exciting to play as it is to listen to.

An arrangement of this popular song which has been covered countless times. It is a favourite to play and to listen to, particularly at weddings. Everyone sings along!

Originally written for the 1996 European Championships, this song has become a true British anthem. This arrangement is easy enough to sight read by a competent group and will always get the crowd singing along!

A hallmark of this American TV series is each episode's opening scene, in which Briggs or Phelps receives his instructions from a faceless voice, delivered on a recording which then self-destructs; this is immediately followed by the theme music, composed by Lalo Schifrin. This music is presented here in an exciting arrangement for trombone quartet with optional drum kit; it works as a great opener to a concert.

Bach?s great Chaconne from the Partita in d minor BWV 1004 for Violin was arranged for piano left-hand by Brahms and now has been arranged yet again for Trombone Quartet by Phil Brink. This 8-minute work is appropriate for advanced performers and will make a great addition to any recital.

Jim Hopson has arranged a 16th Century Christmas Carol Medley for Trombone Quartet. The three carols are:

Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella - Lo' How a Rose E'er Blooming - Coventry Carol

There are touches of jazz chording and rhythmic stylings throughout, adding a bit of mystery to the 16th Century flavors.

The medley is about 2 1/2 minutes in length and appropriate for advanced performers.