Here is what the arranger, Ross Holcombe says about his great scoring of this wonderful and unique work by Ives.

Ives finished the majority of his Concord Sonata, from which this movement is excerpted, in 1915. According to Ives, the piece reflects on the old Alcott house in Concord, MA, but I feel a greater struggle in this work than a mere journal about a piece of architecture. The fact that Ives quotes Beethoven?s 5th Symphony so extensively makes me wonder about his views on destiny, fate, the future, and the creative process.

The piece starts serenely but quickly devolves into uncertainty, doubt, and anger. A floating interlude brings us back to distant memories where we remember that we are shaped by our past, but have control of the direction of our future. Building on that realization and quickly gaining steam, the piece ends with a powerful and joyful climax. The angry Beethoven theme is transformed into one of power, hope, and light. A feeling of calm and contentment ends the piece, finally coming to rest on one simple C major chord.

This work is scored for 10 trombones: 1 alto, 7 tenor, and 2 bass trombones and is appropriate for advanced performers.

Venus, the Bringer of Peace from "The Planets" by Gustav Holst follows directly after the angry movement of Mars, the God of War. The mood is lyrical and gentle.

Randall Malmstrom's wonderful arrangement for 8-part Trombone ensemble captures the mood exactly with rich harmonies and textures.

The work can be performed by advanced performers.

Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from "The Planets" by Gustav Holst is a lively, buoyant and noble movement from this great suite for orchestra. Randall Malmstrom has defied the rules again and brilliantly arranged this movement for 8-part Trombone Ensemble.

The 3 1/2 minute movement is arranged for advanced performers and will be an outstanding addition to your program.

Richard Strauss's opera Die Frau ohne Schatten (The Woman Without a Shadow) was written between 1911 and 1917. He regarded it as one of his most important works. After an unenthusiastic opening night, it has now become part of the standard operatic repertoire.

Randall Malmstrom has brilliantly arranged some of the most outstanding parts of the opera for an 8-part Trombone Ensemble appropriate for advanced performers.

Saturn, The Bringer of Old Age has been beautifully arranged for 8-part Trombone Ensemble by Randall Malmstrom. The music is noble, mysterious, and ominous. This great 3-minute arrangement is appropriate for advanced performers